Story perspectives

Liverpool appoints Iraola, eyes eight-player squad revamp

6/5/2026

Summary

Iraola Overhauls Liverpool

Liverpool Football Club appointed Andoni Iraola as manager on Thursday.
Iraola may offload up to eight players, including Robertson, Konaté, Salah and Alisson.
The club targets five signings, among them a Salah replacement and Diomande for over €130 million (£112.4 m, $151.2 m).
Liverpool is also negotiating with Hungary U19 midfielder Patrik Farkas, expected to sign on July 1, while many squad members remain at the World Cup, creating a strange start and pressure for Iraola.

Summary

Iraola Revamps Liverpool

Iraola coached AEK Larnaca, Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano—guiding the latter to La Liga and a Copa del Rey semi-final—after a 12-season spell as Athletic Bilbao right-back, four years as captain, and a stint at New York City FC.
His Bielsa-inspired pressing style is seen by Liverpool to restore their ‘heavy-metal’ identity.
He favors two-year deals, leaves recruitment to Richard Hughes, and may bring Elphick, Cooper, Webber and de la Torre to Anfield.

History

Historical Context

Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League win under Rafael Benítez – a 3-3 comeback against AC Milan in Istanbul that earned the club permanent possession of the trophy – revived a European pedigree halted after the Heysel ban. Later titles in 2019 (Super Cup and Club World Cup) and a 2022-23 final appearance underline the club’s ongoing continental ambition, framing today’s overhaul under Andoni Iraola.

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Iraola Overhauls Liverpool

Liverpool Football Club appointed Andoni Iraola as manager on Thursday.
Iraola may offload up to eight players, including Robertson, Konaté, Salah and Alisson.
The club targets five signings, among them a Salah replacement and Diomande for over €130 million (£112.4 m, $151.2 m).
Liverpool is also negotiating with Hungary U19 midfielder Patrik Farkas, expected to sign on July 1, while many squad members remain at the World Cup, creating a strange start and pressure for Iraola.

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