With less than a month to go until the Premier League season, Liverpool are in the United States for pre-season under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The Reds have seen Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate leave on free transfers, and there is plenty to do in the transfer market. Chief Liverpool correspondent Ian Doyle answered fans' questions.
Stefan Bajcetic as right-back?
Ollie Fox asked if Stefan Bajcetic could be an option at right-back for Iraola. Bajcetic played there in September 2023, but it was not a success. The key for Bajcetic is to get fit and available for regular minutes, possibly via another loan. Featuring as a right-back is a long way off.
Replacing Mohamed Salah
Emmanuel Ademu asked about a replacement for Mohamed Salah. Liverpool were willing to pay £86 million for Yan Diomande, but RB Leipzig refused and the player wants Paris Saint-Germain. PSG's Bradley Barcola is on the shortlist but valued above £100 million. Other targets include Brighton's Yanbuka Minteh, Koln's Said El Mala, Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo, and Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche. None have moved yet, and Iraola has said a new right-winger is imperative.
Centre-forward plans
Tom asked about the centre-forward position given Alexander Isak is the only option and is injury-prone. Liverpool are looking to strengthen with a right-winger, but may add another forward due to Hugo Ekitike's long-term injury. If not, Cody Gakpo could play centrally, Florian Wirtz as a false nine, or Federico Chiesa. Academy players like Jayden Danns and Will Wright are next in line.
Richard Hughes' future
Joe asked if Richard Hughes is leaving as sporting director. There is growing expectation he will leave after the summer window, with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal as a likely destination. Liverpool may look internally at Julian Ward, but no replacement has been lined up.
Young players breaking through
Thomas asked about Academy players on the US tour. Most have loan experience or are early in their careers. Players like James McConnell, Lewis Koumas, Calum Scanlon, Luke Chambers, and Harvey Davies are likely to be loaned out again. 16-year-old Josh Abe has created buzz but will benefit from under-21 and UEFA Youth League action. Will Wright and Kieran Morrison, who signed a new deal, could feature in the League Cup. New 18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe will have chances to impress on tour.
Djed Spence interest
Scott asked about interest in Djed Spence. Liverpool are in a difficult position at right-back. Conor Bradley is first-choice but months away from return. Jeremie Frimpong is next but is better going forward and injury-prone. Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo played there last season. An ideal solution is signing a centre-back who can play right-back, or a loan signing, as Liverpool won't spend big on a player who won't be regular once Bradley returns. Spence would be expensive, and clubs should not buy a player based on a decent World Cup showing.
