Liverpool has an important week ahead in the summer transfer window, with several key decisions to be made on head coach Andoni Iraola's roster of players at Anfield
Andoni Iraola has a huge week ahead in the transfer market
Andoni Iraola has a huge week ahead in the transfer market(Image: (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images))
There is just one week left of the summer transfer window, and it will be a crucial few days for Liverpool in trying to balance out the team and give Andoni Iraola the best possible chance of success.
If preseason and the opening match of the Premier League have shown anything, it's that the Reds are likely to be a work-in-progress this season, with patience required to get the team up to the standard that it needs to be.
Some of those extra margins will be found through Iraola's coaching, as he has proven that he can improve players during his career so far, but there is an opportunity to raise the quality levels within the locker room in the last week of the market.
So, with that said, here's a look at what Iraola's dream final week in the transfer window could look like, with some signings and decisions on outgoings for Liverpool to come.
Barcola signs
Bradley Barcola's potential move to Liverpool has been a long-running saga over the summer transfer window, one that might finally have an end in sight.
With just one week remaining, the Reds and PSG appear to be closing in on a similar final valuation for the winger, who could add some much-needed firepower to the frontline.
Liverpool is chasing Bradley Barcola
Liverpool is chasing Bradley Barcola(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista, Getty Images)
At just 23, the French international star has both quality in the short-term and potential to improve even further in the long term, which could see him become the spiritual successor to Mohamed Salah, even though he is likely to play off the left instead of the right. Iraola has been calling for reinforcements out wide all summer, and Barcola fits the bill with his hard work off the ball and quality on it.
Minteh joins
While Barcola could be the spiritual successor to Salah, there needs to be an actual replacement for the 'Egyptian King' on the right flank before the window closes.
Liverpool has continued to push for a deal to sign Brighton's Yankuba Minteh, who has shown all of the hallmarks of a quality player with potential to become even better. The 22-year-old has impressed in the Premier League with the Seagulls, and could take that up to the next level with a move to Anfield.
Gakpo stays
Cody Gakpo is a player who divides fans with their opinion on him. At times, he is clinical and ruthless around the box; on other occasions, he can be wasteful and extremely frustrating. However, the winger has still been an important player for Liverpool with 51 goals and 23 assists in 181 appearances for the club, showing why he has been valued so strongly.
There has been interest from the likes of Tottenham and Manchester City this summer, showing how highly-rated he is, and perhaps why he should stay. Iraola made a point earlier this summer about not weakening the forward lines, and losing Gakpo would certainly do that. A stay for the star could allow the Reds to have an incredible wealth of options in the attacking third.
Midfielder addition
There has been plenty of talk surrounding the midfield after Liverpool's draw with Newcastle, and rightly so, with such a glaring weakness in the central ranks when defending on transition. Therefore, a specialist number six could be the exact addition that the Reds need to help add some control in the out-of-possession phase of the game.
Exactly who would fit the bill so late in the market is unclear, with someone like Adam Wharton appearing unattainable while Crystal Palace refuse to sell their star players. However, if the right option appears, such as Eduardo Camavinga, then perhaps Liverpool should jump at the opportunity to land someone who will add an element of control to the game.
Liverpool transfer exits
While depth options are limited, Liverpool still needs to balance the entire playing roster, and that means some exits could be on the way. Harvey Elliott seems primed for a move away in the final week, with the star not selected as part of the traveling squad to take on Newcastle, suggesting that he isn't part of the manager's plans.
Other moves could see youngsters linked with loan exits. Jayden Danns has been rumored to make a move to gain more playing time, and he won't be the only one to do so. It remains to be seen who else could make way, but Liverpool needs to find that balance wherever possible.