Andoni Iraola has been open about Liverpool needing to improve their squad this summer
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola has been told he could be instrumental in helping to convince Alex Scott to join Liverpool this summer. Arsenal and Manchester United have both expressed an interest in the £80m-rated midfielder, while Chelsea had an offer rejected by Bournemouth last month.
Scott featured in all but one of his side’s 38 Premier League games last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist as the Cherries finished sixth in the table under Iraola. But with the Spaniard having now joined Liverpool following Arne Slot’s sacking, former Reds midfielder Vladimir Smicer has backed Iraola to lure Scott to Anfield this summer.
“I think you can expect Andoni Iraola would like to take Alex Scott because he knows what he can do,” the 2005 Champions League hero said, via Casinostugan.
“To be honest, in midfield we need a bit more spark with people who are fighting but are clever going forward, turning quickly with the ball and finding strikers.
“Of course, we expect a lot from (Florian) Wirtz to do this. But Andoni Iraola knows Alex Scott. If the price is right and he sees the possibility to strengthen the team, why not?
“Curtis Jones is linked with a few moves, and if he leaves, we need midfield press. We don't know what's happening with (Alexis) Mac Allister, he had a bit of a weak season and was not at the same level.
“(Ryan) Gravenberch had a good start, but then it was not the best. Only (Dominik) Szoboszlai was a top player in midfield for the whole season.
Dominik Szoboszlai(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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“In midfield you need competition, and Scott can be a great asset because he's only twenty-two and is playing regularly for the England youth teams.
“He's a good prospect and a local guy from the UK. These things are important. I don't know if he would love to play for Liverpool, but not many players would turn them down.
“He's got a good chance now because Andoni Iraola is the new manager. If he likes him, I think we can find the money.”
Scott still has two years left on his contract at Bournemouth but is believed to have turned down a new contract from the club.
Although he hopes the England international remains at the Vitality Stadium, Cherries legend Steve Fletcher has told whoever signs Scott that they will be getting a 'phenomenal player'.
Alex Scott of Bournemouth during friendly fixture between St Pauli and AFC Bournemouth at Saalfelden Arena on July 24, 2026 in Saalfelden, Austria
Alex Scott has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs(Image: Photo by Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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“He's phenomenal and he's been phenomenal, especially from January onwards,” the Bournemouth striking icon said.
“He wasn’t the only one, though, who was phenomenal last season. I thought Eli Junior Kroupi was magnificent and Adrien Truffert was outstanding.
“It wasn’t just Alex Scott, but he grabbed the attention because he was producing some performances that were top class. He was magnificent.
“He’s not only a good player, he’s a good person as well, and he has taken everything in his stride; he gets on with his work and is a true professional.
“We wish him all the success with whatever happens, but I’m just hoping he stays under the AFC Bournemouth badge for the foreseeable future.”