New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has wasted no time in getting to work in the transfer market. The Spaniard succeeded Arne Slot after the Dutchman's sacking, and following a fifth-place Premier League finish, reinforcements are needed on Merseyside.
Iraola's Contract and Vision
Iraola signed a contract until the 2027/28 season, a common practice for the coach who began his career with Rayo Vallecano. He aims to follow Jurgen Klopp in becoming a Kop icon, though he faces a significant challenge. Liverpool spent over £450 million last summer, including marquee signings Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez bolstered full-back options, but the team failed to replicate their 2024/25 title-winning form. Slot did secure Champions League qualification, and now Iraola looks to familiar faces to succeed.
Iraola Eyes Bournemouth Raid
One emerging target is Bournemouth star Alex Scott, who thrived under Iraola's management. TalkSPORT reported growing links between Liverpool and the 23-year-old midfielder. Chelsea and Manchester United also show interest. Bournemouth are reluctant to sell, slapping an £80 million price tag to ward off suitors. The Cherries have profited from selling young stars like Dean Huijsen, Ilya Zabarnyi, Kerkez, and Antoine Semenyo. Scott could be the next big name to leave, aiming to break into Thomas Tuchel's England setup.
Iraola is a big fan of the box-to-box midfielder, and the feeling appears mutual. When asked about Iraola's appointment, Scott said: "I think the way we press out of possession is very aggressive, maybe similar to the early Klopp teams... Liverpool fans should definitely be so excited." Whether Bournemouth's £80m demand is prohibitive remains to be seen, but relations between the clubs are decent. Sporting director Richard Hughes previously worked at Bournemouth before joining Liverpool and was instrumental in capturing Iraola and Kerkez.
£55m Agreement in Place for Quansah
Liverpool are not stressed about replacing Ibrahima Konate after his exit. The Reds may review centre-back options, but young duo Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet have been talked up. Another ace is the clause inserted into Jarell Quansah's deal when he was sold to Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old excelled in his first Bundesliga season and was included in Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.
Liverpool maintain an option to buy Quansah back for £55m this summer, a £20m hit on the fee received 12 months ago. Given his homegrown status and fan affection, Iraola and Liverpool may explore this avenue late in the window. Quansah revealed in April that his move was based on first-team opportunities, which could open the door to a return if playing time is guaranteed. "To be honest, I wouldn't say it was the hardest decision because I just wanted to play," he said. "I felt like I could play at the top level..."
The Liverpool Echo report that Quansah has already agreed personal terms on an Anfield contract, should the Reds exercise their option. This takes weight off recruitment staff, knowing a deal can be pushed through in coming weeks if depth is needed.
