New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is preparing to wield the axe on his under-performing squad as he seeks to drag the club out of the malaise that plagued the final months under predecessor Arne Slot.
The Reds moved swiftly following Slot’s departure, with the Dutchman falling on his sword on Saturday after an end-of-season review that laid bare the extent of a dismal campaign. Liverpool limped to a fifth-placed finish, a sharp decline that prompted a change at the top.
Iraola was confirmed as the new head coach on Thursday evening, signing a two-year deal at Anfield. The 43-year-old Basque tactician, working in alignment with sporting director Richard Hughes, has wasted no time in mapping out the summer ahead. According to correspondent Graeme Bailey, the club are targeting up to five major incoming signings as they look to rebuild.
However, those arrivals will require significant departures. Liverpool.com reports that Iraola has already identified up to seven players who could be moved on as part of a ruthless squad overhaul.
Midfield overhaul underway
In central midfield, both Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister are understood to be heading for the exit. Jones, whose contract has just 12 months remaining, is seen as a valuable asset this summer, with Liverpool determined to cash in before he enters the final year of his deal. Mac Allister, meanwhile, has endured a difficult personal season and is viewed by the new regime as lacking the physicality and relentless engine required to thrive in Iraola’s high-intensity system.
There will also be no route back for Harvey Elliott, who endured a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa and now finds himself surplus to requirements. Veteran midfielder Wataru Endo could similarly be made available.
Goalkeeping dilemma
Between the posts, a major decision looms. Reports suggest one of Alisson Becker or summer arrival Giorgi Mamardashvili will be allowed to leave. However, sources close to the club have indicated that Alisson is expected to remain at Anfield, meaning the towering Georgian goalkeeper could be sent out on another loan spell. Several clubs were already monitoring Mamardashvili as far back as March.
Defensive and attacking surgery
Defensively, Joe Gomez is another player who could be shown the door, with only one year left on his contract. The situation is complicated by the fact that Ibrahima Konate has also departed at the end of his deal, leaving Liverpool needing at least one — and potentially two — new centre-backs.
The most dramatic changes, however, are expected in attack. Mohamed Salah has already departed Anfield, while opportunistic signing Federico Chiesa is another who could be allowed to return to Serie A after two frustrating years at the club.
Further forward, a report from the Netherlands on Thursday claimed that Cody Gakpo is set to submit a transfer request. The Dutch forward’s form collapsed dramatically this season, and he reportedly does not see a long-term future at Anfield without Slot. With young talent Rio Ngumoha pushing for senior opportunities and Liverpool pursuing RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande, the club may be willing to let Gakpo leave if the price is right.
David Ornstein has reported that negotiations for Diomande are well advanced, with the highly-rated youngster on the verge of becoming the third most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history.
In defence, Liverpool are also among three Premier League clubs showing interest in a player from Burnley — a potential surprise addition as Iraola looks to reshape the backline.
With the new manager determined to stamp his authority early, a summer of significant transition lies ahead at Anfield. While incoming reinforcements are expected, the willingness to offload established names underlines Iraola’s ruthless approach to rebuilding a squad capable of challenging at the top once more.