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Liverpool latest: Maghnes Akliouche's contract agreement as Andoni Iraola confirms decision

Andoni Iraola has explained a key decision of his Liverpool career

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 21: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andoni Iraola, Head Coach of Liverpool during a training session at Endeavor Health Performance Center on July 21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Andoni Iraola remains on the hunt for new signings(Image: Getty Images)

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Ahead of his debut season in charge, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has made it clear he is actively seeking further squad reinforcements. While the club has finalised Iraola's backroom staff, the squad remains noticeably stretched in defence and has yet to secure a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

As a result, Iraola will officially launch Liverpool’s pre-season campaign with only two new additions on board. The first is Jeremy Jacquet, whose transfer was completed this month following an initial agreement reached last winter. The Frenchman could make his Reds debut against Sunderland on Saturday.

The second is 23-year-old Spanish World Cup winner Victor Munoz, who was signed during the summer tournament. The Reds will hope to bounce back from a disappointing fifth-placed finish last season as we look into the latest summer plans of the Premier League side.

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Andoni Iraola's coaching decision

The Reds boss has confirmed that Pablo de la Torre will serve as his No. 2 at Liverpool. Iraola brought his fellow Spaniard, alongside Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, to Merseyside last month. De La Torre has worked alongside Iraola since their Rayo Vallecano days together and was previously recognised as the fitness coach at the La Liga club and Bournemouth.

The 43-year-old discussed the significance of his trusted coaches also making the switch to Liverpool before speaking enthusiastically about De La Torre's attributes. "For me, it was important they came with me," Iraola said during Liverpool's pre-season tour of Chicago.

"Pablo is a physical coach but has been with me almost all the years I have been coaching. So for me, he is much more than a physical coach, really. He is an assistant and we know each other very well."

Maghnes Akliouche update

Maghnes AKLIOUCHE of France prior the 2026 FIFA World Cup - Semi Final match between France and Spain at AT&T Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Johnny Fidelin/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Liverpool are reportedly interested in Maghnes Akliouche(Image: Getty Images)

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Liverpool remain in the hunt for a winger with the club still to secure a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Monaco and France star Akliouche has been mentioned as a potential target for the Reds, according to Sky Sports.

Nevertheless, the Premier League outfit are once more locked in competition with Paris Saint-Germain, having already gone head-to-head in the pursuit of Yan Diomande earlier this summer. The RB Leipzig star is understood to favour a switch to the Champions League holders, and a comparable situation has reportedly emerged in Akliouche's case.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested the 24-year-old is keen to join the French champions, with the two sides already reaching an agreement on personal terms for a potential contract. He did urge caution over supporters assuming the Frenchman's transfer to PSG is finalised, clarifying that talks between the clubs remain ongoing, but he insists they remain in pole position in another blow for the Reds.

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