Liverpool remain active in the transfer market as preparations for the new season gather pace. The Reds continue to be strongly linked with a move for Bradley Barcola, who is viewed as a potential long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
Reinforcements at right-back and in midfield are also being considered, although those positions are currently lower on the club’s priority list.
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Meanwhile, speculation over departures continues. Curtis Jones has been linked with a move away from Anfield, while Cody Gakpo has emerged as a reported target for Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States came to an end on Sunday as Andoni Iraola’s side suffered a 4-2 defeat to Leeds United in their final match on American soil.
The Reds have returned to Merseyside for their final two pre-season fixtures before the start of the Premier League campaign, with Iraola set to use the games to fine-tune his squad ahead of the new season.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes the club’s squad needs “surgery” before the September 1 transfer deadline, insisting the Reds were “miles off” the required standard last season.
So far, the Reds have strengthened their squad with the signings of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, although neither has featured during pre-season.
While Gerrard has welcomed Iraola’s arrival, he believes Liverpool must significantly improve on last season’s disappointing campaign under Arne Slot if they are to challenge for major honours.
“Listen, I’m happy with it, but I also know the challenge that is in front of him (Andoni Iraola),” former England international Gerrard told Open Goal Sport.
“I think Liverpool were miles off it last season. If we’re really honest, they were miles off. The squad needs some surgery and it needs to address some balances. We need to get some players back fit and firing, and big players in big form.
“So I think there is a lot of work to do for Liverpool, but in terms of the excitement and buzz in terms of the new manager, I’m there with him, for sure.”
With Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture against Newcastle United less than three weeks away, Andoni Iraola still has plenty of work to do on the training pitch and in the transfer market to turn the Reds into genuine contenders for the biggest prizes in 2026-27.