Recent developments are not making Andoni Iraola’s start to life at Liverpool very easy.
Liverpool’s transfer focus has largely centered around strengthening the attacking areas this summer, but fresh developments suggest the club may now have little choice but to revisit their defensive plans before the window closes.
The Reds have already been linked with several high-profile forwards as they look to reshape their frontline under Andoni Iraola.
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However, with injuries beginning to mount at the back and depth becoming an increasing concern, attention could soon shift towards reinforcing the defence as well.
Those concerns were heightened during Liverpool’s 4-2 pre-season victory over Sunderland on Saturday night when Joe Gomez was forced off with an injury within the first 10 minutes.
The England international’s early withdrawal left Iraola short of senior defensive options, forcing the new head coach to rely on academy talent for much of the match and once again highlighting the lack of cover available.
According to The Guardian, Liverpool’s priorities have not changed despite the managerial switch:
“Arne Slot had wanted two new wingers and a right-back before his departure in May, and those same positions remain at the top of the recruitment list under Iraola.”
“Victor Muñoz has arrived as a versatile attacking option but is not viewed as an immediate starter, while interest in Bradley Barcola and Yan Diomande remains as the Reds continue their pursuit of elite wide players.”
The report also claims Iraola is increasingly concerned by the lack of defensive depth available to him.
While the Spaniard ideally sees Conor Bradley as Liverpool’s long-term first-choice right-back, the Northern Ireland international is still recovering from a serious knee injury, meaning the club could now be forced back into the market for another option before the new campaign gets underway.
With Gomez’s latest setback only adding to the uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s back line, what initially appeared to be an attack-focused transfer window may yet require another significant defensive addition.
If Iraola is to have the balance and depth needed to compete across all competitions, strengthening the defence could become just as important as landing another marquee forward.
Andoni Iraola
Conor Bradley
Joe Gomez