Iraola's First Two Liverpool Moves Nearing the Finish Line as Diomande Deal Advances

Andoni Iraola's rebuilding project at Anfield is gathering momentum, with the newly-appointed Liverpool boss now deep in talks to land his opening recruits of the summer window.

The former RB Sociedad manager took the reins following Arne Slot's departure last month, inheriting a squad that finished fifth in the Premier League despite capturing the title the previous season. The Reds scraped into the Champions League on the final day, setting the stage for what promises to be a busy transfer campaign.

The Diomande Race

Leipzig's Ivorian centre-back Ousmane Diomande has become Liverpool's headline target, with the Reds now in direct contact with the German club over a potential fee. According to reports, Liverpool hold the upper hand in negotiations with the player himself, leaving Paris Saint-Germain trailing in the race for his signature.

The Bundesliga side have historically been reluctant to part with their prized asset, though that stance could shift should an offer approaching €130 million (£112.4m) land on their desk. Speculation has even suggested personal terms between Liverpool and Diomande are already locked down, with the club keen to wrap things up before the World Cup kicks off.

Farkas Incoming

In a second move, Liverpool are advancing negotiations to bring back former academy prospect Patrik Farkas from Blackburn Rovers. The Hungarian youth international is poised to become a free agent at month's end, with discussions ongoing over a two-year contract scheduled to commence on July 1st.

The Slot Debate

Meanwhile, Liverpool legend John Barnes has weighed in on Slot's exit, placing responsibility squarely at the feet of the fanbase. Speaking to Historic Newspapers, Barnes argued that supporters failed to give the Dutch tactician sufficient backing, particularly given the time needed for his high-profile signings—including Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz—to settle into the system.

Barnes contended that while club hierarchies formally make managerial decisions, it is ultimately supporter sentiment that determines a manager's fate. He drew parallels with Manchester United's experience under Ruben Amorim, suggesting that once fan confidence evaporates, players begin deflecting blame and the situation becomes untenable. The former winger stressed that Liverpool's ownership didn't want to sack Slot, but felt compelled to act once the disconnect with the crowd became irretrievable.