Liverpool got their first win of the Andoni Iraola era on the board on Friday evening against Ipswich but the Reds have plenty of work to do off the pitch in the transfer department
Liverpool got their first win on the board at the third time of asking as Andoni Iraola’s side comfortably beat Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday night.
A point at Newcastle on opening day was followed by another disappointing draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield. However, Friday’s away trip gave a good indication that things are starting to click under the new Basque boss. A brace from Alexander Isak within the first nine minutes proved sufficient to clinch a 2-0 triumph over Ipswich, bringing the Sweden striker’s haul to three strikes in three outings.
The Reds barely threatened to get out of second gear in the second half as Ipswich posed little threat to Virgil van Dijk and co’s first clean sheet of the season. Liverpool now face a tougher examination on Wednesday when Atletico Madrid arrive at Anfield for Champions League action, before Fulham make the trip to Merseyside on Saturday. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Liverpool-related headlines.
Richard Hughes replacement eyed
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Liverpool have started their search for a new sporting director following Richard Hughes’ official departure from the position over the weekend. Hughes arrived from Bournemouth in 2024 and presided over a major recruitment phase, including last summer’s £450million spending bonanza.
Liverpool shattered the British transfer record twice during that period, securing Florian Wirtz for £116m before landing Isak for £125m. The Reds now need to find a replacement to lead the transfer process.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool technical director Julian Ward is amongst the contenders being weighed up. The former Manchester City scout joined Liverpool in 2012, initially operating in the club’s scouting network, before earning promotion to assistant sporting director in 2020. Two years later, he replaced Michael Edwards as sporting director.
Ward occupied the position for two years, orchestrating the captures of Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai. He was also instrumental in the £75m acquisition of Darwin Nunez, which has subsequently failed to provide the anticipated return on Liverpool’s considerable outlay. And in 2024, he was elevated to the club’s technical director role.
Assistant sporting director David Woodfine and FSG director of football development Pedro Marques are also believed to be in the frame. Liverpool have not dismissed the prospect of searching beyond the club either, with an external appointment also a possibility.
Gakpo tipped for new role
Former Liverpool star Jason McAteer reckons Cody Gakpo could have a crucial role to fulfil in Andoni Iraola’s blueprint this season, despite seemingly facing an uncertain future at Anfield for much of the summer. Gakpo had been strongly tipped for departure, with Tottenham and Manchester City both expressing keen interest in the Netherlands international.
Liverpool ultimately turned down an £80m offer from City near the close of the transfer window, a choice which now appears increasingly crucial given how Gakpo has begun the season.
The signing of Bradley Barcola had seemed to push Gakpo further down the hierarchy, with the £123m acquisition anticipated to claim the left wing spot as his own. But Gakpo has responded in exemplary fashion, netting once and delivering three assists across his opening three appearances.
McAteer believes that form, combined with Liverpool’s requirement for alternatives across the attacking line, means there remains a key role for Gakpo to occupy.
“It’s been framed as Gakpo needing to find a way back, but I wouldn’t say it’s like that at all,” McAteer told TEAMtalk. “He’s had a fantastic start to the season, scoring goals and being heavily involved in Liverpool’s best moments in their games so far.
“Barcola predominantly plays on the left… Cody started on the right against Forest, and while it didn’t quite click, he’s far more suited to the left or down the middle, where we’ve seen his quality for the Netherlands and Liverpool.
“But there is a role for him at Anfield this season, make no mistake… that right-hand side is still up for grabs. Nobody has cemented it. Gakpo will get plenty of game time, either filling in down the middle if Isak is out, or operating on the right.”