Liverpool’s Transfer Priorities Highlighted by New Coach Andoni Iraola

At a pre-season press conference in Chicago, Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said the squad has “obvious” areas that must be reinforced before the new campaign begins. He singled out the need for a natural winger and warned that the right-back and central-defence positions remain thin because of injuries and recent departures.

Andoni Iraola refuses to hold back on the two positions Liverpool must reinforce this transfer window

Since the close of the 2023-24 season Liverpool have lost several cornerstone players: Mohamed Salah (free transfer after nine seasons), Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté (both left on permanent deals). Injuries have sidelined Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni, leaving the back line short on depth. The club has already added defender Jérémy Jacquet and forward Víctor Muñoz, but the incoming players have not yet filled the void on the right flank or provided a reliable replacement for the departed centre-back.

The Straits Times

• Salah’s nine-year spell produced roughly 20–30 league goals per season for Liverpool, a benchmark the club now seeks to replace.

Three positions Liverpool need to target in the 2026/27 transfer market - Read Liverpool F.C.

• The squad’s recent signings total two (Jacquet, Muñoz) while three key players have departed (Salah, Robertson, Konaté).

The Straits Times

Iraola emphasized that quantifying the exact number of signings is difficult while the market remains open. He said the club must stay “always open to new options” and will analyse cost, availability and existing squad depth before committing. The coach reiterated that a winger is a priority, but also highlighted the “tricky” situation at right-back, where the recovery of Conor Bradley will dictate whether additional defensive signings are required. He expressed confidence that veteran figures such as Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk will help integrate any new arrivals.

Andoni Iraola refuses to hold back on the two positions Liverpool must reinforce this transfer window

• “I think it is difficult to say a number. When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad,” — Andoni Iraola, liverpool head coach

ESPN

• “- Morgan Rogers completes record Chelsea switch from Aston Villa "I think Alexis has been one of the best players of the club last year and has done a very good World Cup," Iraola said.” — Andoni Iraola, liverpool head coach

ESPN

• “He's [Nusa] exactly the kind of player that Liverpool fans would love to see.” — BestBettingSites

'A great fit' — John Arne Riise finds Mo Salah replacement for Liverpool

• “I think it depends on Conor’s situation,” — Andoni Iraola, liverpool head coach

Andoni Iraola refuses to hold back on the two positions Liverpool must reinforce this transfer window

• July 21 – Iraola delivers the “obvious gaps” briefing in Chicago, noting the need for a winger and outlining injury-related defensive concerns.

Andoni Iraola refuses to hold back on the two positions Liverpool must reinforce this transfer window

• August 23 – Liverpool’s first Premier League match is scheduled away to Newcastle.

'A great fit' — John Arne Riise finds Mo Salah replacement for Liverpool

The summer market remains active throughout July and August, giving Liverpool the opportunity to address the identified winger vacancy and bolster defensive depth before the season opener on August 23. The club’s scouting reports are reportedly focusing on players such as Yan Diomandé (RB Leipzig) and Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain) for the wide-forward role, while monitoring the fitness timeline of Conor Bradley to determine any further right-back reinforcement.

'A great fit' — John Arne Riise finds Mo Salah replacement for Liverpool