Story perspectives

Liverpool hires Iraola, must replace £400 million squad

6/8/2026

Summary

Liverpool Appoints Iraola

Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola after sacking Arne Slot, with transfer window opening June 15.
Iraola will only tweak few of Slot’s pre-season plans and monitor World Cup players.
Liverpool lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson, prompting senior players to welcome a fresh start.
Iraola must replace six-seven spots—including Alisson, Robertson, Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, right-back and forward—while club may need a huge sum after spending over £400 million last summer.

Summary

Fowler Applauds Dismissal

Robbie Fowler said Liverpool players will warmly welcome Arne Slot’s dismissal, calling it a moment for optimism.
He told the ECHO this before Andoni Iraola was named manager.
Fowler repeated the view to Mirror Football via BetMGM, adding there will be a little excitement.
Subsequent reports confirmed a positive mood among the squad after Slot’s exit, as shown in Getty Images.

Summary

Ngumoha Retained

17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, contracted until summer 2028, impressed in his England debut, prompting Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola to stress his retention.
He missed Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad after being called up for two warm-up matches.
Bayern Munich have named Ngumoha their top left-wing target to replace Luis Diaz, though no bid has been made.
Liverpool said they have no desire to let him leave, calling Bayern’s interest “cheeky”.

Summary

Iraola Praised

Chelsea passed on Iraola because his high-pressing, aggressive system conflicted with the club’s possession-based philosophy.
Liverpool praised the same pressing style as a perfect fit for the Reds.
At Bournemouth, Iraola delivered a sixth-place finish, Europa League qualification and an 18-match unbeaten streak in his final season.
He earned his coaching licence in Madrid and began coaching at Antiguoko alongside future managers Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso.

History

Historical Context

After Rafael Benítez took over Liverpool in June 2004 and delivered the 2005 Champions League triumph, the club entered a cycle of high-profile hires and costly rebuilds—Benítez later broke the transfer record with a £24 million signing of Fernando Torres. In May 2026 the club dismissed Arne Slot and appointed Andoni Iraola, continuing the pattern of managerial turnover amid spending pressure.

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Liverpool Appoints Iraola

Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola after sacking Arne Slot, with transfer window opening June 15.
Iraola will only tweak few of Slot’s pre-season plans and monitor World Cup players.
Liverpool lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson, prompting senior players to welcome a fresh start.
Iraola must replace six-seven spots—including Alisson, Robertson, Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, right-back and forward—while club may need a huge sum after spending over £400 million last summer.

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