Liverpool icon provides switch verdict on FSG ‘gold mud’ – ‘little question in my thoughts’
Andoni Iraola is putting together his new Liverpool team during pre-season, but progress on the transfer front has been slow so far.
The 44-year-old replaced Arne Slot earlier this summer and is leading the Reds in their pre-season tour of America; however, the former Bournemouth boss is facing the problem of rebuilding the team without key experienced figures Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate.
Liverpool splashed £450million last summer and Iraola would be hoping he could have the pleasure of handling such a war chest. So far, Victor Munoz is the only summer addition, moving from Osasuna for £34m, while Jeremy Jacquet’s £55m switch from Rennes was completed last season.
Victor Munoz is yet to play his first game for Liverpool(Image: Johnnie Izquierdo – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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The Reds’ priority this summer is replacing Salah and they have targeted PSG’s Bradley Barcola after missing out on Yan Diomande. However, there is a £45m difference between the two clubs’ valuations and the potential transfer is rumbling on.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, on behalf of Lottoland football betting , former Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister gave his thoughts on the Reds’ window: “I think the manager has come in and said they’re obviously a wee bit short and a wee bit thin in certain areas.
“First and foremost, he’ll be evaluating what he’s got. You’ve got to remember there were five excellent players who came in last year. They didn’t all work immediately, but he’s got those players. He’s got Harvey Elliott coming back.
Bradley Barcola is being pursued by Liverpool(Image: Icon Sportswire, Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“But, obviously, losing Mo Salah leaves a gap on the sides. I’ve seen the same as what you’ve seen. I’ve seen Barcola being linked. It’s players of that ilk they’ll be adding, players who can create moments and break down tight defences when teams come to Anfield and try to defend their goal.
“So, that’s key. I think he’ll be looking forward to seeing these World Cup players back, free of injury.
“But there is obviously the concern at the back. With Joe Gomez getting injured, and obviously Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet, that’s three centre-backs injured. But that’s a difficult position. It’s difficult to name players who are available.
“I think they’ll still add two or three. They’ve got a big squad, but they’ll still want to add gold dust if the players become available.
Gary McAllister won the cup treble at Liverpool
“I think that’s the thing. Whenever any player of the elite level becomes available, I think Liverpool should be involved.”
Liverpool’s progress in the transfer window has been slow so far this summer, but McAllister insisted he isn’t worried and backed FSG to get the right deals done in time.
“No, actually. If you’re somebody who has watched Liverpool over the tenure of FSG, they don’t shout from loudspeakers. They tend to get on with their business quietly behind the scenes and then announce it when something happens,” he continued.
“So, there’s no doubt in my mind that they’ll be working tirelessly to try to add players to the squad, but quality players. They won’t buy players for the sake of buying players.
“They’ll be searching for, obviously, younger players with potential, but also players who can go straight into the team if they feel they need that type of player in a certain area.
“So, I wouldn’t be panicking if I was a Liverpool fan.”
