Liverpool's pre-season is underway as Andoni Iraola prepares for his first campaign in charge, with the club actively pursuing a high-profile replacement for Mohamed Salah on the right flank. The Reds have already secured Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, but Iraola is under pressure to improve on Arne Slot's disappointing second season.
McAteer Urges Right-Side Overhaul
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has called on the club to prioritise strengthening the right side of the pitch, following Mohamed Salah's departure and persistent injury issues at right-back. Speaking to the Mirror, McAteer highlighted the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit two seasons ago and the struggles of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.
"I think the areas of concern are down Liverpool's right-hand side, having lost Trent two seasons ago. It vacated a big, big space which we obviously thought Conor Bradley would slot into. You felt Conor was ready to go into that position but unfortunately through injury and performances he's not been able to do that. And then Jeremie Frimpong came in. He's not an ideal right-back in defensive situations. He's more of a wing-back, more of an attacking player. So he's had to fill in and we've had Dominik Szoboszlai play right-back too so it's not been great," McAteer said.
McAteer added that Salah's departure further compounded the issue: "I think that had unsettled Salah as well and then Salah's obviously gone. So that right-hand side is an area we need to strengthen, both in the full-back and the wide position."
£100m-Plus Target Diomande Edging Towards PSG
Liverpool have been heavily linked with Sporting CP's Yan Diomande, who would command a fee north of £100 million. However, Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly moved ahead in the race for the 22-year-old, leaving Iraola back at square one in his search for Salah's successor. Meanwhile, PSG's Bradley Barcola has also been mooted as a potential option, though no progress has been made on a right-back signing.
Youngster Isaiah Bryan Joins from West Brom
Liverpool have completed the signing of 14-year-old centre-back Isaiah Bryan from West Bromwich Albion for a compensation fee of around £200,000. Bryan, who joins the under-15s squad, announced the move on Instagram: "Proud to announce that I'm joining Liverpool Football Club. It's an honour to become part of a great club. I'm grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get started and meet my team-mates. Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey."
The Reds reportedly beat Aston Villa to the youngster's signature.
