Iraola eyes Scott reunion as Liverpool prepare £100m swoop for Bournemouth talent

Fresh from guiding Bournemouth to Europa League qualification, Andoni Iraola has wasted little time identifying his first major target as Liverpool's new head coach. The Spaniard has his sights set on reuniting with Alex Scott, the 22-year-old midfielder who thrived under his management on the South Coast.

Liverpool endured a forgettable 2025/26 campaign under Arne Slot, prompting the club's hierarchy to plot an ambitious rebuild for the coming season. While Mohamed Salah's replacement remains the priority, the Merseyside outfit are actively scouring the market for reinforcements in midfield—and Scott has emerged as a prime candidate.

Iraola is understood to be personally enthusiastic about the prospect of working with the English youngster once more at Anfield. His admiration for Scott's development is well documented, and the manager played a crucial role in the midfielder's progression during their time together at Bournemouth. Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes shares that conviction. Having orchestrated Scott's move from Bristol City to Bournemouth in 2023, Hughes remains a staunch admirer and is backing the pursuit.

The convergence of these relationships—both Iraola and Hughes know Scott intimately—could prove decisive should Liverpool decide to push forward with a formal bid. Scott himself is reportedly open to the idea of reuniting with Iraola at a bigger stage.

There's a significant stumbling block, however. Bournemouth have no appetite for selling their prized asset this summer and are prepared to demand a frankly eye-watering fee to deter interested parties. The club's previous record transfer sale came when Antoine Semenyo departed for Manchester City in January for £65 million. Bournemouth intend to substantially exceed that figure.

Reports suggest the Cherries will demand a minimum of £100 million for Scott—a sum that would shatter Liverpool's existing transfer record. The South Coast club are also planning to offer the midfielder a new contract as part of their efforts to retain him, with both Ben Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano confirming the development.

Jacobs revealed that Bournemouth value Scott at approximately £80 million and intend to table a new deal, whilst owner Bill Foley is determined to keep the player at the club. The proposed contract is expected to include a release clause—a model Bournemouth have successfully deployed previously with players like Rayan and Huijsen.

Manchester United and Tottenham have also registered their interest in Scott, though Liverpool and Iraola's existing connection appears to give them a meaningful advantage in the race for his signature.