Liverpool could deploy a frightening line-up if Andoni Iraola gets his wish in the transfer market this summer.
Andoni Iraola looks on
Andoni Iraola is the new head coach of Liverpool (Image: Getty)
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The days are ticking away until Liverpool face Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the 2026/2027 Premier League season. The Reds haven’t thrilled in the transfer market this summer, it’s safe to say. However, that shouldn’t detract from the fact that new Reds boss Andoni Iraola still has a devastatingly effective first XI at his disposal.
Should the Reds get two more signings over the line before the transfer deadline on September 1, then he could be looking at a first XI that would be the envy of most clubs. Using a 4-2-1-3 formation, we’ve taken a look at Liverpool’s most terrifying potential line-up for this season.
Goalkeeper
Eight years on, and the position still speaks for itself. Alisson Becker joined the Reds in August 2018 and has become, arguably, the greatest goalkeeper in the club’s history.
While he has dealt with his fair share of injuries in recent seasons, on his day, there aren’t many better than the Brazilian, even at 33. Giorgi Mamardashvili has deputised to varying degrees of success, but the Georgian has ultimately failed to convince so far.
It means Alisson, despite even being linked with a move away from Liverpool this season, is still the last line of defence for Iraola’s most deadly first XI.
Defence
Giovanni Leoni, 19, who joined from Parma last summer for £26million, will eventually push for a start as he recovers from an ACL injury. French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, bought from Rennes in January for £60m, will ultimately line up alongside captain Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence.
Jeremy Jacquet in training
Jeremy Jacquet is battling back from injury (Image: Getty)
However, he has yet to feature for the Reds in pre-season due to an injury, so he will need some time. For now, new loan signing Ronald Araujo, who recently joined temporarily from Barcelona, will feature alongside Van Dijk, lending Liverpool a vastly experienced back two.
Onto the full-back positions and Conor Bradley is expected to be out for some time yet after he picked up an injury against Arsenal late last season. That means Jeremie Frimpong will start at right-back.
On the other side, Milos Kerkez will be the undisputed starting left-back following Andy Robertson's departure, and he can only benefit from linking up with Iraola once again following their time together at Bournemouth.
Midfield
The central duo for Iraola perhaps picks itself with Ryan Gravenberch fitting in alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, with the Dutchman sitting slightly deeper in his typical No. 6 role.
Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz could shine this season (Image: Getty)
Ahead of those two will be Florian Wirtz, with the German star given a licence to roam and link up with the front 3. The Reds have other options in the centre of the pitch
Alexis Mac Allister, Stefan Bajcetic (returning from injury), Wataru Endo, and the exciting Trey Nyoni, who has impressed in pre-season, are all candidates. However, none at present can oust the aforementioned Gravenberch, Szoboszlai and Wirtz.
Curtis Jones has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, and so Iraola would be wise to plan his most deadly first XI without the Liverpudlian.
Attack
The deadly duo of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak is yet to ignite thanks to injuries, and that partnership still won't get to shine until the former makes a full recovery from a ruptured Achilles. That means it'll be down to Isak to start living up to his £125m fee by leading the line for the Reds.
Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola would be an expensive signing for the Reds (Image: Getty)
The Reds lacked pace on the flanks last season, and with Mohamed Salah's departure to Turkish side Trabzonspor, the issue has been exacerbated.
On the left, it simply has to be Bradley Barcola. Should Liverpool strike a deal with PSG, the 23-year-old Frenchman will offer a direct burst of pace and a wicked first-time cross into the likes of Isak and Ekitike, once the French striker is fit again.
Iraola has options there, too, in the shape of Victor Munoz and Cody Gakpo, but if they’re to break the bank for Barcola, then he starts.
The choice for the right flank may be controversial, and could perhaps block the pathway of Reds wonderkid Rio Ngumoha, who has been experimented with in that role in pre-season, but Ibrahim Mbaye, PSG’s 18-year-old winger, would bring the unpredictability that Iraola is sorely missing.
Ibrahim Mbaye in action for PSG
Ibrahim Mbaye would inject pace to the frontline (Image: Getty)
Mbaye has played 36 times on the right in his senior career, scoring eight and bagging 10 assists. It’s simply the Senegal star's experience at such a young age that earns him a spot here.
The youngster already has two Ligue 1 titles and two European Cups to his name at just 18, meaning he could give Iraola a mix of energy, aggression, and know-how. N’gumoha would offer serious competition too, with the duo breathing new life into the Reds’ right flank.