Liverpool are close to appointing Andoni Iraola as their new head coach following Arne Slot’s sacking, and the Spaniard will have a number of transfer decisions to make this summer
Liverpool are moving closer to naming Andoni Iraola as their new head coach having struck a verbal agreement with the Spaniard.
The Reds have made the former Bournemouth manager their top choice to succeed Arne Slot, who was dismissed on Saturday following a disappointing title defence after claiming the Premier League crown in commanding style during his maiden season last term.
With Iraola having departed the Cherries following the final match of the campaign, compensation won’t pose a problem with the 43 year old expected to be installed by week’s end should no unforeseen hurdles arise in talks with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes. It’s believed he’s been presented with a two-year contract.
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Iraola is anticipated to bring Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, his previous assistants who continue at Bournemouth. Nevertheless, the complete structure of any fresh coaching setup remains undecided despite speculation connecting former Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara with a comeback having recently departed the Barcelona coaching staff under Camp Nou chief Hansi Flick.
Attention will then shift to the squad with the Anfield prospects of several players having come under scrutiny lately, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Foremost amongst them is Alisson Becker, with Juventus having been heavily linked with interest despite Liverpool having earlier this year activated their option to prolong the Brazilian keeper’s contract until the conclusion of next season. While Slot suggested the club might face a decision this summer, the belief is the Reds have consistently wanted Alisson to remain, with reports from Brazil indicating the 33 year old has chosen to reject advances from Juventus and stay at Anfield for at least another campaign.
That development, however, could affect Giorgi Mamardashvili, with the Georgia international having featured 20 times this term. Claims have emerged that the keeper has been touted by his agents for loan moves to Italian clubs. Amongst Iraola’s initial choices will be establishing whether two midfield players feature in his long-term vision.
Curtis Jones is entering the final 12 months of his deal with Liverpool and has drawn concrete interest from Inter Milan, who were unsuccessful in a January loan approach, while Turkish outfit Galatasaray are also tracking the player. Liverpool, recognising this could be the final window to generate funds from the Academy product, are seeking over £30million for the 25 year old.
Harvey Elliott has returned from a disappointing season-long stint at Aston Villa after the Europa League champions deliberately avoided providing the 23 year old with sufficient appearances that would have triggered their £35million purchase obligation.
With Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all departing as free agents, Liverpool have lost considerable expertise, especially in their backline. This could make Joe Gomez, who is also out of contract next summer, a key squad member as the longest-serving player, especially with two of the other three senior centre-backs – 19 year old Giovanni Leoni and incoming £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet – yet to experience Premier League football.
A shift in tactical strategy under the soon-to-arrive Iraola could also revitalise Alexis Mac Allister, who endured a lacklustre season in midfield. Mac Allister still has two years remaining on his contract but, unlike fellow midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, he has not been offered a new deal in recent months.
Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa, on the other hand, have long been rumoured to be considering moves away from Liverpool this summer due to limited game time during Slot’s reign.
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