Liverpool’s summer rebuild under Andoni Iraola has taken shape against a backdrop of significant upheaval, with the new manager’s first competitive steps still to come. The Reds enter the final stretch of pre-season amid a concentrated transfer push for Bradley Barcola, a move that could reshape their attacking profile before the Premier League curtain rises. Yet the bigger question lingers: can Iraola steady the ship after a second successive season that failed to meet Anfield’s exacting standards?
The title window — and why fitness will decide Liverpool’s fate
Phil Thompson, the club’s former captain and a lifelong observer of the side, believes Liverpool can mount a genuine title challenge this season — provided injuries do not derail their progress. Speaking to the BBC, Thompson argued that Iraola’s demands for aggression and verticality align with what the fans expect, but warned that squad depth will be decisive. “Iraola will need all of his players fully fit, but if we have a fully fit squad, we have a chance of winning the league this year, without question,” he said. “The fans want to see a bit more aggression, but I could see, just from watching [pre-season] from the stands, the demands of the manager.”
Thompson also highlighted the need for vocal leadership, noting that only Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker remain as established voices in the dressing room after the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. He suggested Dominik Szoboszlai must step up, while others will need to take on greater responsibility during difficult spells. “When you have a difficult time — a difficult couple of games or something — you need some strong voices in there,” he added. Liverpool’s pre-season schedule, which includes fixtures against Leeds, Monaco and Como, offers Iraola three more opportunities to bed in his principles before the league campaign begins.
Barcola remains the marquee target, but alternatives are being prepared
Liverpool’s pursuit of Bradley Barcola has intensified, with reports indicating the club are preparing an opening bid for the PSG winger. The French champions, however, have set a valuation of £145 million — a figure that would shatter the Premier League transfer record and sits well above Liverpool’s preferred £100 million ceiling. Should the deal collapse, the Reds could pivot to Rayan, the 19-year-old Brazilian sensation at Bournemouth. Rayan’s release clause of £85 million does not activate until 2027, meaning Iraola may need to pay a premium to prise him away from the Vitality Stadium.
Marcus Tavernier, Rayan’s teammate at Bournemouth, has already tipped his club’s young star for a swift exit, telling Sky Sports: “Rayan and Kroupi? It’s been unbelievable, they are two world-class talents. I don’t think they will be at Bournemouth for a long period of time given the quality they have got.” Liverpool’s recruitment team will weigh the risks of waiting on Barcola against the urgency of securing a Salah replacement, with the window still open but the clock ticking.
The tactical reset under Iraola — and the defensive questions that remain
Iraola’s arrival has already prompted speculation over Liverpool’s likely starting lineups, with reports suggesting he could deploy a flexible system to accommodate Barcola’s direct style or Rayan’s creativity. The new manager’s pre-season instructions have been clear: quicker transitions, sharper vertical passes, and a refusal to let the ball stagnate. Yet the squad’s defensive frailties, exacerbated by injuries during the US tour, remain a concern. Iraola’s three new starting XIs under different formations will be closely scrutinised when Liverpool face Leeds in their final friendly, a match that could offer early clues about his preferred approach.
The Reds have also been linked with defensive reinforcements, though no permanent additions have been confirmed. With Ibrahima Konaté’s departure to Real Madrid and Robertson’s exit, Liverpool’s backline has been stripped of two key figures. Iraola’s ability to instil organisation and intensity will be tested from the outset, particularly if key players miss the opening fixtures.
Off the pitch, Liverpool’s hierarchy will hope the new manager’s man-management and tactical clarity can restore harmony after a fractious period under Arne Slot. The squad’s collective mentality will be under the microscope, especially as the club navigates a transitional summer without the talismanic presence of Mohamed Salah, whose future remains a topic of speculation.
With three pre-season games remaining and a transfer market still in flux, Iraola’s first real test arrives before the league campaign begins. The pieces of his Liverpool puzzle are still falling into place — but the window to shape the squad is closing.
For Liverpool to rediscover their title-winning edge, they will need more than just a fit squad. They will need a squad that believes in the project, led by players willing to step into the void left by the club’s legends. Iraola’s challenge is clear: turn potential into performance, and fast.
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