How Liverpool could line up under Andoni Iraola next season with four new signings
Liverpool are expected to move quickly after they made the decision to sack Arne Slot, with free agent Andoni Iraola understood to be the leading candidate to take over as head coach.
On Saturday afternoon, Slot was relieved of his duties by Liverpool, just a year after leading the Reds to their 20th league title.
It was a dismissal that felt inevitable, especially after Mohamed Salah aimed a not-so-subtle dig at Slot's style of play in a social media post that was liked by several members of Liverpool's first team squad.
After undergoing an end-of-season review following the club's fifth-place finish in the Premier League, Fenway Sports Group decided to take drastic action – and it appears they have a candidate in mind.
Advert
Andoni Iraola, who recently guided Bournemouth to the highest league finish in their history, is being heavily linked with the job.
In fact, Fabizio Romano has claimed that Liverpool have already made a decision. “The negotiations will move forward quickly to get it done with formal steps but Liverpool decision is made," he said. “Iraola will be the next manager.”
It appears the link between Iraola and Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes, who hired the Spaniard when he was Bournemouth's technical director, could well prove crucial ahead of a big summer at Anfield.
Liverpool will be expected to dip their toes into the transfer market again after a poor campaign, and the arrival of Iraola, who managed some huge talents at Bournemouth, may play a factor when it comes to their shortlist of targets.
Ahead of the window opening on June 15, SPORTbible have named four transfers that would make sense this summer.
Rayan
One of Liverpool's biggest priorities this summer will be finding a suitable replacement for Mohamed Salah.
A host of names have been linked with a switch to Anfield, including Yan Diomande and Yankuba Minteh, but with Iraola's arrival imminent, a move for Brazilian sensation Rayan could well be on the horizon.
The 19-year-old, who joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January for £24.7 million, has been superb since joining the Cherries, registering five goals and two assists in the league.
Liverpool have been closely monitoring Rayan's progress on the south coast, according to a report from TeamTALK, but so have several other clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
A reunion with Iraola, who recently praised the teenager's character and composure under pressure, would certainly make sense.
Nico Schlotterbeck
A replacement for the departing Ibrahima Konate will be another priority for those behind the scenes at Liverpool.
Back in February, the Reds completed a pre-agreed deal for Jeremy Jacquet, with the club paying £55 million up front and a further £5 million in add-ons, but whether the 21-year-old is ready for regular first-team football remains to be seen.
Somebody who has all the attributes to partner Virgil van Dijk is German international Nico Schlotterbeck, who has established himself as one of Europe's finest centre-backs at Borussia Dortmund.
Last month, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg provided an interesting update on Schlotterbeck's situation.
"Liverpool (alongside Real Madrid) are one of the few clubs that can activate a release clause for Nico Schlotterbeck this summer," he wrote on X. “The fee is around €50-60million (up to £52m)."
He added: "The release clause is not valid for the entire summer transfer window. According to @M_Wessing, it expires around the time of the World Cup final."
Alex Scott
A lack of protection in the middle of the park was one of Liverpool's biggest weaknesses this season. Step forward, Alex Scott.
The deep-lying midfielder, who can also operate in more attacking areas, has been one of the Premier League's standout performers in recent months, showing an ability to receive the ball under pressure that Liverpool have yearned for.
His relationship with Iraola, who has been full of praise for the deep-lying midfielder, may just pique the interest of Liverpool's recruitment team.
Earlier this month, Micah Richards gave a good assessment of Scott after his display against Crystal Palace.
"He takes a good set-piece but it's his calmness on the ball. He can pass well and receive the ball between the lines. A lot of midfielders hide and don't want the ball but he's brave on it. He keeps it moving."
"Every time I watch him, he's so confident on the ball," added Richards.
Bradley Barcola
As mentioned above, Liverpool will be on the lookout for a Salah replacement and Barcola, who continues to be heavily linked with a move to Anfield, would be a statement signing ahead of the new campaign.
The 23-year-old, who has scored 13 goals in all appearances for PSG this season, would command a hefty fee but his qualities are exactly what Liverpool need going forward.
Earlier this month, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Liverpool "really appreciate" the forward.
“The winger position is the absolute focus for Liverpool, they want to do something important in that position," he said on his YouTube channel.
“Don’t forget another name in the wingers dominoes this summer. It’s the name of Bradley Barcola. Liverpool really appreciate the player. It was August 2025 when I told you that they like Barcola, they considered him but they were busy with Alexander Isak and had already spent a lot of money."
Thoughts on the suggested transfers? Who should Liverpool chase this summer? Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League
Jack Kenmare