Liverpool's transfer business this summer has been met with mixed reviews from fans and pundits alike - and it seems Andoni Iraola knows that challenge that lies ahead of him
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 21: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Andoni Iraola head coach of Liverpool during a press conference at AXA Training Centre on August 21, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola gave his thoughts on Liverpool's summer transfer business(Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is still very young in management terms, but just a couple of months into the biggest job yet in his short career, he’s already a step ahead of us journalists.
The Spaniard didn’t even need to be asked the question at his press conference on Thursday, and he already knew what was coming. Liverpool might have just secured the second-most expensive signing in its history, but you can’t help but have doubts about the business conducted this summer.
Bradley Barcola’s arrival is a coup, no doubt about it, and all of the Reds’ new signings this summer look like exciting additions. It’s the transfers that haven’t been done though that are at the forefront of supporters’ minds.
We’ve seen over the first two games this season that Liverpool’s issues at right-back and midfield are still there from last season, and there is a Mohamed Salah-shaped hole still on the right wing. The club has had plenty of time to address those, but decided to focus its efforts elsewhere.
And it’s not like Iraola wasn’t asking for more signings. He has not shied away from making his feelings clear this summer, so it’s no surprise that he was asked for his thoughts on the club’s business now that the dust has settled.
“I'm very happy with all the signings we made,” Iraola said. “I think three, or four signings with Jeremy [Jacquet], I’m very happy with all the signings.”
Without being prompted, he then correctly predicted what would be the next question on every fan’s lips, and likely those reporters gathered at the AXA Training Centre.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - JULY 09: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Academy director Alex Inglethorpe, sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Andoni Iraola of Liverpool during an U21 training session at AXA Training Centre on July 09, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola will have to do the best he can with the cards dealt to him by sporting director Richard Hughes(Image: Getty Images)
“I know the next question is ‘do you want more signings in other positions?’ he continued with a wry smile.
“At the end, the club has decided those signings that we’ve done are the ones that will improve our team, improve our position.
“There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes sporting because they don’t improve what you have, sometimes it is economical reasons, it didn’t make sense in terms of the market to do those movements.
“But I'm happy now that I know what we have. I have a lot of quality in the team. Now is the moment for the players and me to give it all they have.”
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It doesn’t take an awful lot of reading between the lines to acknowledge that Iraola probably did want some of those problem areas addressed, even if he is trying to remain diplomatic about it.
He’ll know that the reaction from the outside to Liverpool’s business has been mixed, at best. He has, at his disposal, a glut of left-wingers who will also need to fill in on the opposite side, the same midfield which left things far too open last season, and one fit right-back who is yet to convince many thus far.
Liverpool has taken a huge risk by not addressing those issues. Remember, Arne Slot’s side only just qualified for the Champions League last season, and there’s no guarantee that another fifth-place finish will be enough again this time.
It’s up to Iraola though to make the most of the hand he’s been dealt. It won’t be easy, and it feels like he already knows that.