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Liverpool hires Andoni Iraola, praises Szoboszlai’s £60 m deal

7/23/2026

27 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach in early June 2026, replacing Arne Slot.
Iraola praised Dominik Szoboszlai’s five-year contract through 2031 after his £60 million transfer from RB Leipzig.
He said Szoboszlai could become vice-captain when the eight World Cup players return.
Liverpool’s U.S. pre-season tour under Iraola will face Sunderland in Nashville, Wrexham in New York and Leeds United in Chicago.

History

Historical Context

Jürgen Klopp’s 8 October 2015 appointment sparked Liverpool’s resurgence, culminating in the 2019 Champions League win. After Klopp’s 2024 departure, Arne Slot delivered a title but was dismissed on 30 May 2026, prompting a five-day appointment of former Spain defender Andoni Iraola. Iraola’s June 2026 U.S. tour, featuring Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds, mirrors the club’s global branding push, highlighted by Szoboszlai’s £60 million transfer.

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Story summary

Liverpool appointed Andoni Iraola as head coach in early June 2026, replacing Arne Slot.
Iraola praised Dominik Szoboszlai’s five-year contract through 2031 after his £60 million transfer from RB Leipzig.
He said Szoboszlai could become vice-captain when the eight World Cup players return.
Liverpool’s U.S. pre-season tour under Iraola will face Sunderland in Nashville, Wrexham in New York and Leeds United in Chicago.

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