New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has admitted the club are “working hard” to secure more signings after being dealt a blow in their pursuit of Yan Diomande. The Ivory Coast forward has made clear his intention to join Paris Saint-Germain instead, after Liverpool’s £85m offer was rejected by RB Leipzig, who are holding out for at least £100m.
Iraola speaks publicly for first time
Speaking at his first external media press conference, Iraola acknowledged Liverpool’s need for reinforcements. “Obviously we've signed two players already but we need more players. We know this. The club are working on this,” he said. “Me, as a coach, selfishly, you want the players here on day one, ready to train for pre-season. But we understand that football doesn't work like this and I know that the club is working hard to get those signings and I am trying to help also.”
Liverpool’s only incomings so far have been Spain winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m and centre-back Jeremy Jacquet for £60m. The latter’s transfer was announced in January but completed earlier this month.
Key departures leave gaps
Iraola’s comments come days after the departure of Fenway Sports Group CEO Michael Edwards, who previously served as Liverpool’s sporting director. Edwards is credited with signing Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and others, and oversaw the appointments of Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot, and Iraola. Salah, Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate all left on free transfers in June, making replacements crucial. The trio made over 1,000 appearances combined, with Salah’s 257 goals ranking third in Liverpool’s all-time list.
Pre-season preparations
Liverpool players not involved in the World Cup are returning from holidays this week, before flying to the United States next Monday for pre-season friendlies. Iraola replaced Arne Slot in May after Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League. The Spaniard joined from Bournemouth, where he secured a sixth-placed finish and Europa League qualification – their highest-ever league position and first European campaign.
