Andoni Iraola faces his first Liverpool challenge as their main target completes a transfer
Andoni Iraola might already be facing his first tough decision as Liverpool’s new boss, even before being officially announced as the head coach.
The former Bournemouth manager is expected to take over from Arne Slot at Anfield soon, with reports saying both sides have already agreed verbally. Iraola has a strong track record, having led Bournemouth to 12th, ninth, and a club-best sixth place in his three seasons there. His attacking style could bring the excitement some fans felt was missing during Slot’s second year.
With the transfer window opening on June 15, Iraola and Liverpool’s team are likely already looking at new players. Several Bournemouth stars like Alex Scott, Rayan, Junior Kroupi, and Adrian Truffert might be linked with moves to Liverpool, thanks to Iraola’s connection with them.
At the same time, some players have confirmed they’re leaving, including Andrew Robertson, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate after great times at the club. Federico Chiesa might also move on. Meanwhile, Jeremy Jacquet’s transfer from Rennes is confirmed, and Liverpool still have their eye on RB Leipzig’s winger Yan Diomande, who scored 12 goals and had nine assists in 33 games last season.
One tricky issue Iraola might face involves Curtis Jones. The young player, trained at Liverpool, has been linked with a move away after not quite reaching the next level under Slot. Jones, 25, played 34 Premier League games last season but started only 18, scoring once and making two assists.
Recently, Italian media reported that Inter Milan are interested in Jones again and might include him in a swap deal for Dutch right-back Denzel Dumfries. But that deal seems less likely now, as Sky Sports says Real Madrid might activate Dumfries’ £17.3 million release clause, with personal terms almost agreed. Also, four Premier League clubs are interested in the 30-year-old defender.
This leaves Jones’ future uncertain, creating a tricky situation for Iraola just as he starts at Anfield. Dumfries, who plays for Inter until 2028, has made 207 appearances, scored 27 goals, and assisted 28 while winning two Serie A titles and three Coppa Italia cups.