Liverpool Manager Andoni Iraola Outlines Transfer Plans and Squad Needs
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has addressed the club’s transfer plans and squad depth during a media day at the team’s pre-season tour in the United States, according to the sources. Iraola, who was appointed in June, stated that the club remains open to opportunities to strengthen the squad while the transfer market is open, though specific squad numbers are difficult to predict.
According to the sources, a key priority for Liverpool is signing a new winger to help replace Mohamed Salah, who has departed the club alongside Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté. The Reds previously signed Victor Munoz from Osasuna for 34 million pounds, and also added Jérémy Jacquet. However, injuries and departures have left certain areas thin.
Iraola noted that the defensive depth, particularly at center-back and right-back, is currently very tight due to injuries. Conor Bradley is recovering from a knee injury and is still distant from a return, while Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike are also sidelined. Iraola explained that if Bradley were fully fit, the club would not have questions regarding the right-back position, but currently, the situation is delicate.
Szoboszlai Contract Extension Celebrated as Major Boost
Manager Andoni Iraola praised Dominik Szoboszlai after the 25-year-old Hungarian midfielder extended his contract with Liverpool until 2031, calling it one of the best pieces of news since his arrival at the club. Szoboszlai made 53 appearances last season, contributing 13 goals and 12 assists across multiple positions including right-back, winger, central midfield, and attacking midfield.
Iraola stated that Szoboszlai returned in great form, works very hard in training, and serves as an example that younger players should follow. The manager added that he intends for Szoboszlai to be one of the team’s leaders moving forward, aiming to continue and further develop his performance after a strong previous season.
Squad Leadership, Experience, and Pre-Season Schedule
With the departures of experienced figures like Salah, Robertson, and Konaté, Iraola emphasized the importance of retaining veteran leaders. Goalkeeper Alisson Becker will remain at Anfield, with Iraola noting that Alisson’s experience will help support the integration of new signings and younger players alongside other long-serving leaders such as Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez. Regarding the club’s general goalkeeping situation, Iraola expressed satisfaction, noting that Ármin Pécsi will be sent out on loan while Giorgi Mamardasvili and Alisson remain in the setup.
Addressing the captaincy, Iraola stated that a decision will be made later in the pre-season once he has familiarized himself with the full squad. He emphasized that a player does not need to wear an armband to be a leader, stating that the team needs multiple leaders on the pitch.
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule in the United States includes matches against the Sunderland in Nashville, the Wrexham in New York, and Leeds United in Chicago.
