Andoni Iraola is on the verge of becoming Liverpool’s new manager, and the former Bournemouth boss is already preparing a dramatic transformation of the squad at Anfield.
The Merseyside club moved swiftly to dismiss Arne Slot on Saturday after a deeply disappointing season that ended with a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League. The Dutchman, who had impressed in his debut campaign, ultimately paid the price for a significant drop in performance during his second year. With FSG determined to act decisively, positive talks were held with Iraola over the weekend, and sources indicate a deal could be finalised within days.
According to reports, including detailed insights from ESPN, the incoming Spanish coach has wasted no time in outlining his vision, demanding a major squad overhaul to implement his high-intensity, high-octane style of football.
Confirmed Departures and Further Exits
Liverpool have already confirmed the exits of three key figures who have been cornerstones of the side in recent years: Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté. The departure of Salah, in particular, marks the end of an era for one of the club’s greatest modern attackers.
However, that is far from the end of the turnover. ESPN’s report identifies several additional senior players as candidates to leave this summer: Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Federico Chiesa, and Joe Gomez. While TEAMtalk understands that an exit for Alisson has now been blocked, genuine interest remains in moves for the other three. Of those, Curtis Jones appears the most likely to depart, with the midfielder reportedly favouring an exciting move to Serie A after rejecting interest from Aston Villa.
The scale of the changes — potentially four senior departures in total — signals a ruthless reset under the new regime.
Iraola’s Five-Man Shopping List
To counterbalance the outgoing players and reshape the team in his image, Iraola has presented club chiefs with a clear five-player shopping list focused on injecting pace, energy, and quality into key areas.
Attack: Liverpool are prioritising at least one elite winger, with the potential to sign two. RB Leipzig’s teenage sensation Yan Diomande is the standout target. The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season in Germany and has been on Liverpool’s radar as they plan for life after Salah. Encouragingly, Diomande has given the green light to a move to Anfield (or PSG), according to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna. Leipzig are expected to demand up to €150 million (£129.6m) for the highly-rated youngster.
Other wing options under consideration include PSG’s Bradley Barcola and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, the latter potentially available at a more modest fee following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.
Defence: Iraola is keen to strengthen the right-back position amid concerns over current options. Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries has emerged as a prime target. The Dutch international is available for as little as €25m due to a release clause and is actively pushing for a move to Anfield, with initial contact already made.
Midfield: To add legs and dynamism in central areas, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is a player of interest. The young Englishman would represent a significant investment, with Palace reportedly prepared to demand up to £80m to part ways with one of their prized assets.
These targeted additions reflect Iraola’s desire to build a squad capable of pressing high, transitioning quickly, and dominating matches with intensity — traits that defined his successful spell at Bournemouth.
As Liverpool prepare for this changing of the guard, the coming weeks promise significant movement on both the incoming and outgoing fronts. With a new manager, fresh investment, and a clear strategic direction, the Anfield hierarchy is betting that this ruthless reset will return the club to the top of English and European football.
The football world will be watching closely to see how quickly Iraola can implement his vision — and whether the departures and arrivals deliver the desired impact.