Liverpool FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1
Andoni Iraola smiling after beating Atletico Madrid. (Image: Getty)
Liverpool are in a bouyant move following their 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid to open their Champions League campaign, following strikes from Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. The victory marked Andoni Iraola's first in Europe and the Spanish head coach could be headed towards further positive news.
The Reds were unable to get another forward over the line in the summer transfer window, despite strong pursuits of Ismaila Sarr and Yankuba Minteh from Crystal Palace and Brighton respectively. However, Express Sport has taken a look at the latest Liverpool news and Iraola may not have to wait too long before an addition is found...
Liverpool may possess a formidable attacking lineup, yet they do so without having recruited a genuine right-winger this past summer. The Reds brought in Victor Munoz and Bradley Barcola to strengthen their forward options, but were unable to secure a direct replacement for Mohamed Salah, after moves for Minteh and Sarr collapsed in the closing stages of the window.
The long-term heir to the Egyptian icon could materialise in the shape of Bournemouth star Rayan. The Brazil international will have a £130m release clause available to be activated from next summer, according to The Athletic.
The 20-year-old was brought to the Premier League in January under Iraola and impressed heavily with five goals scored and two assists provided in 15 games. The Cherries are expected to decline any approach for the winger before the release clause becomes active.
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Rayan pumps his fists
Rayan could join Andoni Iraola at Liverpool. (Image: Getty)
Last week saw the announcement of Richard Hughes' departure from Liverpool, with the former sporting director choosing to leave a year before his contract was due to expire. The Scotsman's exit leaves a considerable void within the Reds' footballing structure.
FSG technical director Julian Ward, who previously held the sporting director role in 2022 following Michael Edwards' departure, has emerged as a frontrunner to fill Hughes' shoes.
According to The Athletic, Ward ranks amongst the leading candidates to assume the position, with current assistant sporting director David Woodfine and director of football development Pedro Marques also touted as potential in-house alternatives.