The Andoni Iraola era at Liverpool is upon us and there could yet be a major squad shake-up at Anfield
Rayan could headline Liverpool’s summer transfer window(Image: Getty)
Andoni Iraola is gearing up for his first campaign as Liverpool manager. A blockbuster £100m-plus winger signing could be just what he needs to get his tenure rolling.
On the back of a fairly disappointing season, Arne Slot is out and Iraola is in at Anfield. His squad have jetted off for their pre-season tour of the United States. When they return, regaining the Premier League crown will surely be the goal, with Champions League football to contend with as well. Yet, Mohamed Salah’s, Andy Robertson’s and Ibrahima Konate’s exits have left voids that need filling.
Jeremy Jacquet has been given the No. 5 and will likely start next to Virgil van Dijk in defence, but although Victor Munoz has been signed for £34.5m, the Reds are still in need of a talismanic wideman. The ECHO has a look at what the club should do ahead of the new season, including reuniting Iraola with a bona fide superstar.
Rayan arrives
There will be no Egyptian King at Anfield next season and with such a huge name missing, a worthy replacement is required. Rayan could be one of the few wingers out there who could slot in seamlessly.
Rio Ngumoha will likely be given significant playing time by Iraola. Still, he can’t go it alone and if Bournemouth’s Rayan is reunited with the manager who nurtured him last term, the sky is the limit.
Iraola is familiar with Rayan(Image: Getty)
In just half a season, Iraola turned Rayan from a raw Brazilian talent into a forward who started for his country at the World Cup aged only 19. Not enough is being said about just how remarkable a feat this was.
Liverpool signing him could prove difficult, as the Cherries have no reason to let him go and his £130m release clause kicks in come January. But Iraola knows the player and could force their hand if Rayan becomes unsettled.
He would probably cost in excess of £100m, if not somewhere close to that sum. However, if Liverpool are direct with their approach and the player wants the move, would Bournemouth risk fielding a disgruntled star for an entire season?
Four first-team stars sold
To finance such a transfer and trim down the squad generally, there are four players Liverpool should attempt to sell this summer. Firstly, Federico Chiesa can make way.
Although he was a bargain when he signed from Juventus and he is a fan favourite, if Rayan arrives, the Italian would find his playing time greatly reduced. Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Munoz will all want minutes.
The Reds should clean house(Image: Getty)
In midfield, Curtis Jones’ exit looks inevitable as he’s fallen out of favour and his ‘pure profit’ status under Profit and Sustainability Rules means he could prove instrumental in financing other deals.
Elsewhere, both Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott can find new clubs. Elliott’s sale would have the same benefits as Jones’ and whilst Endo is currently injured, he is surplus to requirements once he recovers.
Alisson given new contract
A final contractual act that Liverpool should look to get done sooner rather than later is extending Alisson’s stay at Anfield by another year or two. His current deal expires in 2027.
Manager Iraola has already stated he does not envisage the shot-stopper leaving this summer and the Reds should do all they can to prevent him walking away on a free in a year. Alisson has struggled with injuries and is 33, but he is not over the hill yet and remains one of the world’s best in his position.
Alisson must be re-signed(Image: Getty)
Liverpool simply would not have enjoyed their modern successes were it not for his reliability between the sticks and there have seldom been goalkeepers before him who dominate in one-on-one duels as he still does.
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