New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has wasted little time in shaping his transfer plans, with the Reds weighing up a £55m buy-back option for Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen while also targeting Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott.
Iraola's Early Transfer Moves
The Spaniard replaced Arne Slot after the Dutchman's dismissal following a fifth-place Premier League finish. Iraola signed a deal until 2027/28 and aims to emulate Jurgen Klopp as a Kop legend, though he faces a considerable challenge. Liverpool spent over £450m last summer on stars like Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Hugo Ekitike, plus full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, but failed to replicate their 2024/25 title-winning form.
Alex Scott Targeted
One rising star on Iraola's radar is Bournemouth's Alex Scott, who flourished under his guidance. TalkSPORT reported growing links between Liverpool and the 23-year-old, with Chelsea and Manchester United also interested. Bournemouth have slapped an £80m price tag on Scott to deter interest. Iraola is a huge admirer of the box-to-box midfielder, and Scott praised Iraola's aggressive pressing style, comparing it to early Klopp teams.
Sporting director Richard Hughes, formerly of Bournemouth, helped secure Iraola and Kerkez last summer, and the clubs maintain a good relationship. Whether Liverpool meet the £80m asking price remains to be seen.
Quansah Buy-Back Option
Following Ibrahima Konate's departure, Liverpool may reassess centre-back options. Youngsters Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet have been praised, but a potential solution is the buy-back clause in Jarell Quansah's contract when he moved to Bayer Leverkusen. The 22-year-old thrived in the Bundesliga and earned an England World Cup squad place.
Liverpool can re-sign Quansah for £55m this summer, a £20m loss on last year's sale. However, his homegrown status and fan popularity make it a viable option. Quansah said in April that he left for regular game time, hinting a return is possible if guaranteed minutes. The Liverpool Echo reports that Quansah has already agreed personal terms on an Anfield deal, should the Reds trigger the clause.
With numerous areas needing attention, Iraola and Liverpool may consider this route towards the close of the transfer window.
