Andoni Iraola handed first Liverpool dilemma as top target seals transfer

Andoni Iraola may have already been handed his first dilemma as Liverpool boss before being announced as the club’s new head coach.

Former Bournemouth boss Iraola is expected to become Arne Slot’s successor at Anfield in the coming days, with a reported verbal agreement reached between the two parties.

The Spaniard comes with a healthy reputation, having guided Bournemouth to 12th, ninth and a record-high sixth-place finish in his three seasons in charge of the Cherries.

His attacking playing style should provide the entertainment some fans suggested was lacking during Slot’s second season at Anfield.

And with the transfer window set to open on June 15, Iraola and Liverpool’s football department will no doubt already be looking at potential recruits, with a number of Bournemouth players, including Alex Scott, Rayan, Junior Kroupi and Adrian Truffert, expected to be linked with a move to Merseyside given their positive relationship with Iraola.

Meanwhile, several players have already confirmed their exits, with Andrew Robertson, Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate all moving on after successful spells at the club. Federico Chiesa may also leave.

Jeremy Jacquet’s transfer from Rennes has already been confirmed, while the Reds retain an interest in RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, with the Ivory Coast international contributing 12 goals and nine assists in 33 Bundesliga appearances last term.

Iraola faces Liverpool dilemma

But Iraola’s potential dilemma relates to Curtis Jones’ future, with the academy graduate continually linked with a move away from the club after failing to reach the next level under Slot.

Jones, 25, made 34 Premier League appearances last term, registering one goal and two assists, although he started just 18 league matches.

Last week, Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Inter are once again keen on bringing Jones to the San Siro, having previously shown interest in him during the January transfer window.

Reports from Italy suggested that he may be involved in a potential swap deal involving Inter and Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries.

However, any chance of a swap deal now appears unlikely, with Sky Sports reporting that Real Madrid are expected to trigger Dumfries’ £17.3 million release clause, with personal terms said to be agreed in principle.

The outlet also reports that four Premier League clubs have shown interest in signing the 30-year-old.

Where this leaves Jones’ potential switch remains unclear, providing an unwelcome dilemma for Iraola early on in his Anfield tenure.

Dumfries, who is contracted to Inter until 2028, has made 207 appearances for the Serie A giants, producing 27 goals and 28 assists while helping the club to two Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia crowns.