Andoni Iraola Liverpool 2026
REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images
Liverpool could be one of the teams to look out for in the transfer windows in 2027, with a new right winger on the agenda.
Liverpool did strengthen their squad in the summer, but there is a feeling that there are still a few gaps to fill in Andoni Iraola's squad in the near future if they are to become genuine Premier League title contenders again.
The Reds did make some strong additions who are already having an impact on the first-team in Bradley Barcola, Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, but the latter is only on loan.
The Merseyside outfit definitely look to need strengthening in the full-back positions, with the likes of Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong not convincing people they are good enough to be regular starters.
Despite the impressive start by Jacquet, the centre-back position could come under scrutiny too with Virgil van Dijk another year older and continued fitness doubts over Joe Gomez, while Iraola needs to decide whether Giorgi Mamardashvili is good enough to be the club's long-term number one when Alisson eventually leaves Anfield.
In midfield, there is likely to be a new signing in 2027 too, following Alexis Mac Allister's admission that he was 'sad' that the club had told him they were unable to offer him a new contract, even though midfield teammates Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have both penned new terms this year.
Liverpool Transfer Priorities for Julian Ward:
Right-back
Central midfield
Right-wing
Left-back
Centre-back
Goalkeeper
Liverpool also didn't sign a replacement for Curtis Jones, so a new midfielder is needed regardless of Mac Allister's situation, with Lamine Camara of Monaco already confirmed as a 2027 target by GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs after his move to Chelsea collapsed.
The Reds are well stocked on the left wing and in the centre-forward position when Hugo Ekitike returns either later this year or at the beginning of 2027, but there is still a void to be filled on the right-hand side following Mohamed Salah's exit.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are seen as one of the 'strong favourites' to sign Brentford wide man Kevin Schade, who is about to enter the final 18 months of his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.
FSG Ready to Back Julian Ward
New Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward at Anfield
New Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward at Anfield
FSG named Julian Ward as Liverpool's new sporting director this week, and it appears as though they are ready to back their man in the transfer market in 2027.
The Reds are already being linked with an audacious move for Bayern Munich superstar Michael Olise in the German press, while Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni has also been mentioned as being a potential target.
FSG will be well aware that, despite an unbeaten start to the campaign under Iraola, the squad needs strengthening if they want to beat Arsenal to the Premier League title, and be genuine contenders to win the Champions League again.
Like many of Liverpool's current attacking options, Schade has tended to play from the left wing for Brentford, but he is able to play on the opposite flank too, where they have a need for bodies.
Whether that means they prioritise other targets instead remains to be seen, but what is clear is that the Germany international could soon be seen as a big market opportunity.
The 24-year-old has started the season in blistering form for the Bees, and it is no surprise that he is attracting admiring glances from bigger Premier League clubs.
We know from his time at Bournemouth, and the summer addition of Barcola, that Iraola likes pace in his attack, with the likes of Eli Junior Kroupi thriving under the Spaniard on the south coast.
Schade is known for his explosive space and despite the official Premier League records stating that Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven has recorded the fastest ever speed, the German says he is quicker than the Dutchman.
Liverpool are seen as one of the frontrunners for Schade, so it will be interesting to see whether Wards ends up bringing him to Anfield in 2027 or not.
Bradley Barcola
Bradley Barcola