Andoni Iraola has taken over the role of Liverpool’s head coach after replacing Arne Slot, and immediately warned at the start of his tenure that the squad lacks sufficient wingers for the beginning of the new season. The specialist emphasised that players suited to those positions are essential, but expressed full confidence that an adequate solution would be found before the transfer window closes.
The club lost several important squad members over the summer, including Mo Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté. The board has already acted on the pitch, signing Victor Muñoz for £34.5 million and bringing in Ronald Araújo on loan from Barcelona. Additionally, an agreement for the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, worth £60 million, was concluded back in January.
Despite these steps, Iraola expressed concern during pre-season in the United States, believing that the wide attacking areas remain quite thin. The manager wanted players available for the first day of training on 13 July, and now reiterates that he will certainly sign some new players, while leaving some business for the end.
The transfer process is not static. Liverpool earlier this week rejected a bid of £50 million for Bright Yankuba Minteh. At the same time, the club explored the possibility of signing PSG’s Ibrahima Mbaye, but Bradley Barcola remains the primary target for a wide attacking reinforcement.
Special attention is also being paid to the situation surrounding Curtis Jones. Although the young player likes the club, he is in Italy to finalise a move to Inter Milan worth £30 million. Iraola spoke with Jones during the first or second training session, highly valuing his talent, but the official transfer has not yet been finalised. The situation is ongoing, and Liverpool believes the end of the transfer window will be very busy.
Iraola stressed that it is crucial what the picture looks like on the pitch on 1 September. Despite current squad challenges, there is confidence within the club at Anfield that the board will manage to resolve the issues with depth in the wide attacking zones.
