Iraola Eyes Five Summer Targets as Liverpool Prepare for Overhaul Under New Boss

Andoni Iraola has already drawn up his shopping list at Liverpool, having settled on five key targets to drive the Reds' summer rebuild following his appointment as successor to Arne Slot.

The Bournemouth manager is poised to take the helm at Anfield after Fenway Sports Group opted to part ways with Slot last month, a decision that caught many observers off-guard given his Premier League title triumph the season prior. Though Iraola's arrival remains officially unconfirmed, reports suggest his appointment is merely a formality.

The Spaniard's recruitment blueprint focuses on bolstering the attack, midfield, and right-back positions. According to ESPN's findings, an elite winger tops the wishlist, with RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande among those under consideration—though he faces stiff competition from rival suitors. Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola has also attracted attention, while a more established operator like West Ham's Jarrod Bowen could provide ballast alongside any younger signings.

In midfield, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton registers on the radar, whilst Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries features prominently at right-back, his contract featuring a €25 million release clause activating in July.

The departures column already features Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, with their exits confirmed. Beyond that pair, Liverpool could sanction moves for Alisson Becker, Federico Chiesa, Curtis Jones, and Joe Gomez, though the club remains keen to retain the Brazilian goalkeeper.

Slot's Exit Blamed on Fan Pressure

Liverpool legend John Barnes has weighed in on Slot's departure, attributing the manager's sacking to supporter discontent rather than boardroom decree. Speaking to Historic Newspapers, Barnes acknowledged the hierarchy's backing but insisted the fanbase bore ultimate responsibility for the Dutchman's downfall.

Barnes suggested Slot deserved extended patience to allow his marquee signings—Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz—time to gel. He drew parallels with Manchester United's experience under Ruben Amorim, pointing to instances where fan dissatisfaction had undermined managerial authority and emboldened players to absolve themselves of accountability.

"The fans are the ones who sack the manager, not the owners," Barnes reflected, lamenting that Liverpool's support failed to back Slot sufficiently during a difficult campaign.