Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has indicated to the club that further investment in the playing squad is necessary, despite a summer outlay already exceeding €100 million. The Spaniard spoke to the media for the first time since assuming the role at Anfield, following the dismissal of Arne Slot after a fifth-place Premier League finish last season.
The club has already secured the signings of Spain international winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for €40 million, and young French centre-back Jérémy Jacquet. However, Iraola is pushing for additional reinforcements as he prepares to challenge for a higher league position.
“Obviously, we have signed two players already but we need more players. We know this. The club is working on this,” Iraola stated. He also expressed a desire to have new signings integrated into the squad from the start of pre-season, acknowledging the complexities of the transfer market.
Replacing Mohamed Salah is identified as a key priority for Iraola, with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola both reportedly being considered as potential replacements. The forward line has also been impacted by a long-term injury to Hugo Ekitike, leaving a void in the No.9 role beyond Alexander Isak.
Defensively, the departure of Ibrahima Konate and the extended recovery timeline for Giovanni Leoni from a knee injury have created a need for additional central defensive cover. Veteran Virgil van Dijk is approaching the final year of his contract and requires a reliable partner. Iraola is also seeking to inject more energy and consistency into the midfield, with Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi frequently linked with a move to Merseyside. These additions are intended to address vulnerabilities exposed during the previous campaign and build a more competitive squad for the upcoming season.
