Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola has moved swiftly to clarify Harvey Elliott’s future at Anfield, declaring the 23-year-old midfielder is “definitely” part of his plans as the club begins a fresh era under his leadership.
Iraola’s first message to Liverpool fans: Elliott stays
Speaking for the first time since taking charge, the 44-year-old Basque outlined his early priorities, emphasising Elliott’s role in his initial squad-building phase. The England international had spent much of last season out of favour under Arne Slot, before joining Aston Villa on loan in September 2025. Despite a £35million obligation to purchase conditional on 10 Premier League appearances, Elliott featured just nine times for Villa, leaving his Anfield future in doubt. Iraola, though, moved to close the speculation. “Definitely! Harvey is here with us,” he told reporters on Monday. “I have seen him with the eagerness to show up, get super ready, he’ll have a chance in pre-season, we’ll need him and it’s a good sign.” The new manager also framed Elliott’s setback as motivation, suggesting the midfielder could use last season’s frustration to fuel a return to the first team. “I think Harvey comes from last season had to be difficult for him, strange situation, they couldn’t even play him and I think he uses this experience — the bad situation — to make himself even more eager to be a Liverpool player.”
Liverpool’s transfer chessboard: who’s moving, who’s staying?
Iraola’s arrival coincides with a period of flux at Anfield, where squad overhaul and recruitment strategy have become immediate priorities. Reports suggest Inter Milan have identified Liverpool’s Kobbie Mainoo as their top midfield target, a move that could force the Reds to accelerate their own plans to secure long-term stability in the engine room. Mainoo, who made his senior debut under Jürgen Klopp and featured 24 times last season, has emerged as a key asset in Liverpool’s rebuild, with Serie A giants now monitoring his progress closely.
Amid the speculation, Liverpool’s links to young talent continue. Alexis Mac Allister, speaking to Mexico’s Claro Sports, addressed the possibility of Gilberto Mora joining the Reds. The 18-year-old Tijuana midfielder impressed during Mexico’s summer campaign and has drawn interest from multiple top clubs, including Liverpool. While no deal is confirmed, the conversation underscores Iraola’s mandate to blend youth with experience as he reshapes the squad.
Iraola’s quiet confidence: proving he belongs at Anfield
Iraola’s humility has already stood out in his early public appearances, a trait that contrasts with the bombast often associated with managerial unveilings at elite clubs. The former Bournemouth boss, who guided the Cherries to European football for the first time in their history, acknowledged the scale of the task ahead. “I feel I have a lot of things to prove in terms of I’ve never coached a club as big as Liverpool,” he said. “It’s a big challenge for me. But there always has to be that first moment. My career has been slowly, slowly: going to a better club, to a better club… I need to prove myself and get everyone to know that I belong here.”
His assessment of the squad suggests realism tempered by ambition. “In my opinion, we have a very good squad,” he noted, while acknowledging the challenges of replacing key departures and managing injuries. Iraola’s approach appears built on reconnecting with the club’s identity and supporters, a theme that has resonated in his first week in charge. The Basque coach’s emphasis on Elliott’s inclusion reflects a broader strategy: leveraging existing talent while navigating a transitional period with measured urgency.
With pre-season training now underway, Iraola’s early signals — Elliott’s inclusion, the focus on squad cohesion, and a pragmatic transfer strategy — offer a glimpse of the Liverpool he intends to build. The next month will be decisive: can he forge a competitive unit from a squad in transition, and will Elliott seize the opportunity to reclaim his place among Liverpool’s first-team regulars?
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