Liverpool information: Andoni Iraola provides switch verdict on two stars as ace makes £15m declare
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media for the first time as Liverpool manager, backing two stars at the centre of transfer speculation as talk of a new signing has emerged
Andoni Iraola is spearheading a new era at Liverpool
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media for the first time since becoming Liverpool manager as fans got to hear his vision for the club and plans for a squad in desperate need of transfers.
The Basque coach has taken over from sacked Premier League title-winner Arne Slot, who lifted a record-equalling 20th top flight title for the Merseyside giants in his first season, but then slumped to fifth in his second. Iraola, 44, offered Reds supporters significant insight into his thinking on Monday after a period of overhaul at Anfield.
Covering tactics, philosophy and transfers, the former Bournemouth boss took command of the room while outlining his strategy to restore Liverpool to the summit of English football. Iraola also broke his silence on players whose futures at the club are in question – here’s all the latest news from Anfield.
Andoni Iraola spoke to the media for the first time on Monday in a press conference(Image: LFCTV)
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Iraola on Harvey Elliott
Iraola lauded Harvey Elliott’s dedication to arriving early for Liverpool’s pre-season preparations, reports the Mirror.
He also believes the 23-year-old attacking midfielder can channel last season’s setbacks on loan at Aston Villa, when he struggled for playing time amid a dispute between the Midlanders and his parent club Liverpool over the conditions of the deal and an obligation to buy arrangement – to regain a spot in the Reds’ squad.
“Definitely! Harvey is here with us,” Iraola told the press on Monday. “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.
Harvey Elliott is back at Liverpool for pre-season(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)
“I hope we can see him in a good place. I think Harvey comes from last season had to be difficult for him, strange situation, they couldn’t even play him and I think he uses this experience – the bad situation – to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player.”
Elliott was a consistent fixture under Jurgen Klopp, featuring in the German’s squads throughout the closing years of his reign. After Arne Slot’s appointment in the summer of 2024, his opportunities became increasingly scarce.
The midfielder moved to Aston Villa on loan in September 2025. However, despite Villa agreeing a £35million obligation to buy the England international, dependent on him making 10 Premier League appearances for Villa, he turned out just nine times for the Midlands outfit.
Curtis Jones’ future
Curtis Jones could be on the move this summer(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA, Getty Images)
Iraola confirmed he will talk to Curtis Jones about his future and hopes the homegrown midfielder will remain at Liverpool despite transfer interest from Inter Milan.
The Italian giants have seen two bids knocked back by Liverpool, both well below a £35m valuation the club have reluctantly set for Jones, who is now in the final 12 months of his contract. The academy graduate, 25, managed just 18 league starts last season, with several of those coming out of position at right-back.
Iraola said: “I will have the chance to speak with him today. I rate Curtis very highly. For me he is a great, great player and I hope he can continue with us and continue performing the way he has been performing.
“It’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here. I also like the personality. From the outside at least he looks like a player with good character and I hope we can keep him, not only for this year but for more time.”
Reds star makes transfer admission
Gilberto Mora shone for Mexico at the World Cup at the age of just 17(Image: 2026 MB Media)
Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has spoken to Mexico’s Claro Sports about the possibility of Gilberto Mora joining the Reds.
Tijuana star Mora impressed for Mexico this summer. The 17-year-old has been linked with a number of top clubs, including Liverpool.
Mora has a release clause said to be approximately $20m, around £15m, following a contract extension with Tijuana which lasts until 2029.
Speaking about Mora, Mac Allister said: “Honestly, I didn’t see anything about it. When these things happen, you’re always careful what you say, out of respect for the player and the club he belongs to.
“But if they’re mentioning him as a possible Liverpool player, he’s surely a great player. There’s a reason they’re mentioning him.”
The player’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, claimed ahead of the World Cup that Mora would carefully choose his next club.
She said: “We’re in no rush, but he’s developing quickly. We need to study the ideal place for him to develop. At this age, you can’t be the best on your team. If you’re the best, you have to move to a higher-level team.
“At this age, you shouldn’t be the leader; you have to be the kid who looks at the others and says, ‘I have to be like them.’ I’m going to do everything I can to sell Gilberto for a high price.”
