Liverpool have been handed a double boost after picking up their first Premier League win of the season on Friday
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola has plenty to smile about(Image: Getty Images)
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Liverpool have picked up their first win of the season, giving Andoni Iraola some welcome breathing space after a difficult start to his reign. The Reds had opened the campaign with successive draws, conceding four goals in the process.
A point at Newcastle on the opening day was followed by another frustrating draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. But Friday's trip to Portman Road provided the clearest indication yet that Liverpool are beginning to find their feet under their new manager.
Two goals from Alexander Isak inside the opening nine minutes were enough to secure a 2-0 victory over Ipswich, taking the Sweden international's tally to three goals in as many games. Liverpool now face a sterner test on Wednesday when Atletico Madrid visit Anfield in the Champions League, before Fulham head to Merseyside on Saturday.
With the dust settling on a busy transfer window, Iraola can now focus on getting Liverpool moving up the table. And there could be further developments on the way, with the club considering a new arrival while one of their established stars looks set for a fresh role. With that in mind, here are the latest Liverpool-related headlines.
Richard Hughes replacement eyed
Liverpool have begun their search for a new sporting director after Richard Hughes officially stepped down from the role over the weekend.
Hughes joined from Bournemouth in 2024 and oversaw a significant period of recruitment, including last summer's £450million spending spree. Liverpool broke the British transfer record twice during that window, signing Florian Wirtz for £116m before bringing in Isak for £125m.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool technical director Julian Ward is among the candidates being considered. The former Manchester City scout joined Liverpool in 2012, initially working in the club's scouting department, before being promoted to assistant sporting director in 2020. Two years later, he succeeded Michael Edwards as sporting director.
Julian Ward
Liverpool technical director Julian Ward is being eyed for the sporting director role(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Ward spent two years in the role, overseeing the arrivals of Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai. He was also involved in the £75m signing of Darwin Nunez, which has since failed to deliver the expected return on Liverpool's substantial investment. In 2024, he was appointed as the club's technical director.
Assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques are also understood to be under consideration. Liverpool have not ruled out looking beyond the club either, with an external appointment also a possibility.
Gakpo tipped for new role
Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer believes Cody Gakpo could have an important part to play in Andoni Iraola's plans this season, despite appearing to face an uncertain future at Anfield for much of the summer.
Gakpo had been heavily linked with the exit door, with Tottenham and Manchester City both showing a strong interest in the Netherlands international. Liverpool ultimately rejected an £80m bid from City towards the end of the transfer window, a decision which now looks increasingly significant given the way Gakpo has started the campaign.
The arrival of Bradley Barcola had appeared to push Gakpo further down the pecking order, with the £123m signing expected to make the left wing position his own. But Gakpo has responded in the best possible fashion, scoring once and providing three assists in his opening three games.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo has made a strong start to the season(Image: Getty Images)
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McAteer believes that form, coupled with Liverpool's need for options across the forward line, means there is still a prominent role for Gakpo to fill.
"It's been framed as Gakpo needing to find a way back, but I wouldn't say it's like that at all," McAteer told TEAMtalk. "He's had a fantastic start to the season, scoring goals and being heavily involved in Liverpool's best moments in their games so far.
"Barcola predominantly plays on the left... Cody started on the right against Forest, and while it didn't quite click, he's far more suited to the left or down the middle, where we've seen his quality for the Netherlands and Liverpool.
"But there is a role for him at Anfield this season, make no mistake... that right-hand side is still up for grabs. Nobody has cemented it. Gakpo will get plenty of game time, either filling in down the middle if Isak is out, or operating on the right."
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