Liverpool secured their first Premier League victory under Andoni Iraola with a 2-0 win at Ipswich Town on Friday night. Alexander Isak scored twice in the opening nine minutes, and the Reds kept their first clean sheet of the season after conceding four goals in their first two matches. The result followed draws against Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, easing pressure on the new manager.
Sporting director search begins
Liverpool have begun considering replacements for Richard Hughes, who stepped down as sporting director over the weekend. Hughes arrived from Bournemouth in 2024 and oversaw a £450m spending spree last summer, including the British record transfers of Florian Wirtz (£116m) and Isak (£125m).
According to The Athletic, Julian Ward is among the candidates. Ward first joined Liverpool in 2012 after scouting for Manchester City, became assistant sporting director in 2020, and took over from Michael Edwards as sporting director in 2022. During his tenure, he helped bring in Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Darwin Nunez in a £75m deal. Ward moved to the technical director role in 2024.
Assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques are also reportedly in contention. The club is not limiting its search to internal candidates, with an external appointment also possible.
Gakpo's role under Iraola
Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer believes Cody Gakpo could be central to Iraola's plans this season. The Netherlands international was linked with a move away, with Tottenham and Manchester City reportedly interested. Liverpool turned down an £80m offer from City late in the window, and Gakpo has responded with one goal and three assists in his first three matches.
His place was questioned after Bradley Barcola arrived for £123m, but McAteer sees Gakpo as more than a squad player. "It's been framed as Gakpo needing to find a way back, but I wouldn't say it's like that at all," he told TEAMtalk. "He's had a fantastic start to the season, scoring goals and being heavily involved in Liverpool's best moments in their games so far."
McAteer added: "Barcola predominantly plays on the left... Cody started on the right against Forest, and while it didn't quite click, he's far more suited to the left or down the middle, where we've seen his quality for the Netherlands and Liverpool. But there is a role for him at Anfield this season, make no mistake... that right-hand side is still up for grabs. Nobody has cemented it. Gakpo will get plenty of game time, either filling in down the middle if Isak is out, or operating on the right."
Liverpool face Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday in their first Champions League match of the season, followed by a Premier League fixture against Fulham on Saturday.
