NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, inspects the pitch before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Liverpool will be hoping for a dream end to the transfer window(Image: Molly Darlington, Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Liverpool's new era under Andoni Iraola has begun with more questions than answers, and with transfer deadline day upon them. The club now face a critical opportunity to shape the rest of their season.
Two draws from two Premier League matches, a 2-2 stalemate against Newcastle on the opening weekend and another frustrating share of the spoils against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday, have left supporters searching for reasons for optimism.
There are a few. Teenage duo Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have caught the eye, offering Iraola a pair of assured youngsters ready to stake a genuine claim in the first XI. Meanwhile, Bradley Barcola's long-awaited arrival from PSG finally adds a cutting edge on the left flank that the squad has been crying out for.
What happens before the window slams shut, however, could prove decisive. The right signings now could give Iraola the tools he needs to push Liverpool up the table, and potentially transform what has been a stuttering campaign into something far more promising.
Here, we examine what Liverpool's starting XI could look like if they achieve their objectives on transfer deadline day.
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker arrived at the Reds in August 2018 and has established himself as, arguably, the finest goalkeeper in the club's history. While he has contended with his fair share of fitness setbacks in recent campaigns, on his day, there are few superior to the Brazilian, even at 33.
Giorgi Mamardashvili has stepped in with mixed results, but the Georgian has ultimately fallen short of expectations thus far. The club are nearing a £30m agreement for 18-year-old goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans, though he is anticipated to stay in Belgium for the upcoming campaign.
This means Alisson will remain between the posts for the rest of this season, as he has done for the club's opening two fixtures.
Defence
French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, snapped up from Rennes in January for £60m, looks set to be Virgil van Dijk's new partner at the heart of defence after being named in the starting XI for the opening two matches of the campaign.
At full-back, with Conor Bradley still sidelined following an injury sustained against Arsenal towards the end of last season, Jeremie Frimpong is expected to retain his place at right-back.
Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk before Liverpool vs Como.
Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk before Liverpool vs Como in pre-season(Image: Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images)
View 4 Images
That said, the Dutch international's displays will need to improve following an underwhelming start to the season. Some supporters have suggested Dominik Szoboszlai could return to right-back after filling in there last campaign.
However, Iraola has so far preferred Liverpool's No. 8 operating in central areas. On the opposite flank, Milos Kerkez will be the clear first-choice left-back in the wake of Andy Robertson's exit to Spurs.
Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image
Product Description
Midfield
The central pairing for Iraola arguably selects itself, with Ryan Gravenberch lining up alongside Szoboszlai, while the Dutchman occupies a deeper No. 6 role. Though the former was left out of Saturday's stalemate with Forest after gifting two goals in the defeat to the Magpies seven days prior.
Operating ahead of that duo will be Florian Wirtz, with the German playmaker afforded freedom to drift and combine with the front three, as he demonstrated to reasonable effect in the 2-2 draw with Forest.
Liverpool have other options in the centre of the pitch, including Alexis Mac Allister, who can compete with Gravenberch for the central midfield berth. Yet they are not exactly overflowing with first-team players vying for that role.
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz.(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Despite Curtis Jones's exit to Inter Milan, the club are not believed to be looking to further strengthen their engine room during this window.
Stefan Bajcetic is also thought to be on the verge of departing on a permanent basis, while Harvey Elliott is reportedly heading out of Anfield on loan to Valencia. That leaves an injured Wataru Endo, alongside James McConnell and Trey Nyoni, to bolster Iraola's central unit.
Attack
The formidable pairing of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak is yet to get off the ground due to injuries, and that partnership will have to wait until the former makes a full recovery from a ruptured Achilles before it can truly flourish.
As a result, Isak, who netted his first goal of the campaign at the weekend against Forest, will be supported by new recruit Bradley Barcola on the left, with Cody Gakpo's impending switch to Manchester City appearing to be only a matter of time.
Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring goal during a UEFA Europa Conference League match
Liverpool have been linked with Crystal Palace attacker Ismaila Sarr(Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Barcola's deputy will be teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha. On the right, it seems to be a straight choice between Crystal Palace's Ismaila Sarr and Brighton's Yankuba Minteh.
The Reds are yet to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah on that flank, with Minteh attracting considerable interest. For now, Sarr appears the most likely candidate, with Liverpool already testing Palace's resolve with a £50m bid.
His arrival would offer Liverpool considerable Premier League experience in attack and see the Reds finally replace club icon Salah.
Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.