Andoni Iraola makes immediate Liverpool transfer demand in first press conference

Liverpool have welcomed two new arrivals to the club this summer but Andoni Iraola has told owners FSG, in no uncertain terms, that they "need more" signings ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

On Monday morning, Iraola spoke to the media for the first time since being appointed Liverpool head coach.

The 44-year-old, who led Bournemouth to a Europa League finish after guiding them to sixth place, touched on a number of subjects in the press conference, including the club's activity in the transfer window.

To start with, Iraola explained why the upcoming season will be a "big challenge" as he mentioned the need for a larger squad.

"Here, most weeks we will not have a clean week, we will have a midweek game, but it is a great opportunity," he said. "There is a chance to use more players. It is impossible to deal with this kind of season with 15 players. You need the squad."

Iraola added: "We have to get ready because this kind of hard season, injuries and situations will happen. We have to get ready in squad depth to deal with the demands of the competition. December and January. Those months are hard."

The Spaniard will be without star striker Hugo Ekitike in the opening weeks as he continues to recover from a ruptured Achilles, while Conor Bradley and Geovanni Leoni are also out with long-term injuries.

"In terms of improving the team, we have to consider replacing important players who were making important numbers and the players who will be missing time," he said.

Victor Munoz was Iraola's first signing after he joined from Osasuna last month, while defender Jeremy Jacquet arrived in Liverpool this summer after a move from Ligue 1 side Rennes was agreed in January.

However, Iraola knows they need to expand their squad depth in the coming weeks if they want to compete.

"We've signed two players, we need more, we know this," he said.

"We are working on it. As a coach, I want the players here from day one, selfishly, but we know it doesn't work like this, we're working hard for those signings."

Iraola also provided an update on Harvey Elliott, who has returned to Merseyside after a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa.

Asked if he still has a future at the club, Iraola said: "Definitely. Harvey is here with us, I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready. He’ll have a chance in pre-season, we’ll need him and it’s a good sign.”

Who are Liverpool being linked with ahead of the new season?

Liverpool have reportedly reignited their interest in Roma midfielder Manu Kone, who has impressed for France at this summer's World Cup.

Morocco's Ayyoub Bouaddi, another standout performer at the World Cup, is also said to be a target as they look to improve in central areas.

In terms of a replacement for Mo Salah, Liverpool have been linked with a host of names, including Bradley Barcola, Said El Mala, Yankuba Minteh and Yan Diomande, who looks set to join Paris Saint-Germain.