Iraola Expectations and Liverpool Squad Priorities

Liverpool fans can accept a bedding-in year under Iraola if the football improves, the squad avoids burnout, and top four stays in reach. Recruitment should be about adding options, not stripping depth.

I've always got early Klopp vibes from Iraola. I think in the first season, there may be a bit of learning on Iraola's part. I think he might need to make minor adjustments to his training schedule etc. to accommodate European football etc., but I think he very much able to adapt to things like that.

I'm hoping for a good season this season for Liverpool FC, but not winning the Premier League. I'm thinking more along the lines of a top 4 finish and I think Iraola will win his first cup (FA or League Cup). I think there'll be great performances and then performances where perhaps the energy is a bit flat.

What a good first season looks like

Players will take a little time to adapt and Iraola will take a little bit of time too. I think top 4 and one of the cups will be a very solid start if we can see that adaption to his style. What I don't want to see is a complete burnout in the second half of the season.

Then second season we give a proper title challenge. That's my hope. Too much to ask in my opinion to expect a title challenge immediately next season. But I want to see a season of progression, good football and a roadmap to a title challenge. I strongly believe in Iraola as you know, and really looking forward to the journey.

Stop obsessing over exits

On the squad, lots of talk about exits here. I genuinely think we mostly need to be focussing on adding players.

I think Gakpo will excel under Iraola. He is perfect for the style of play. Direct. Gakpo hates it slow. I would not sell for less than 70 mill. I'd have Gakpo over Barcola any day. Particularly for the style we are about to play.

Position-by-position thoughts

Goalies will be unchanged: Alisson, Marmadashvilli, Woodman.

Solid group. Mamardashvili had a rough first season but let's see if he can take the learnings and improve. Hopefully Alisson can be fit more often.

Left backs: Kerkez and Tsimikas. Nothing to sell or buy here in my opinion. Too many other areas to focus on.

RB: Frimpong, Bradley, Ramsey. We could sell Ramsey if it would bring in cash but I would love a RB to come in and challenge Frimpong. I really want to see Frimpong in a system like this. I completely get the reasons why people want to sell but if he can't perform in this system, then he is done. I have a sneaky feeling we see a different Frimpong this season though. I like Kayode but I feel there's more value in Palestra and given the areas we need to improve, sounds good to me.

CBs: Virj, Leoni, Jacquet, Gomez. There is no room to sell anyone. We absolutely need to buy another CB in my opinion. Preferably more experienced (25/26 age). We need 5. Zubarnyi really interests me here.

Midfield duo options: Szoboslai, Jones, Gravenberch, Endo, Nyoni, Maccllaister. I definitely sell Macca as we can upgrade in mobility and I despise the play acting. I'd take 50+ there no problem. I'd personally like to keep Jones but if he doesn't sign a contract then we have no choice. Hopefully Jones sign. I would be interested in Sangare and Scott to add options.

LW: Gakpo, Rio, Chiesa. I think Gakpo will end up proving many wrong next season. We need to add 2 versatile forward and one would need to be able to provide an option here. I'd sell Chiesa. I'm a huge fan of Chiesa the man. The player not as much. He is decent but we can upgrade.

AM: Wirtz. We don't need any further as a whole host can play here anyway.

RW: Elliott. I'd keep him if he was willing to stay. We need a lot of options and Elliott is a great home grown option with still a tonne of potential. We need two forwards anyway and if we get rid of Elliott we need 3. I say we keep and limit the amount we need to do/spend.

FW: Isak, Ekitike, Wright. We massively need a player that can play up top. I expect a better Isak next season but he will need rest from time to time.

The main point

Rayan and Diomande interest me. I like Bazoumana Toure as alternative option. Bowen would interest me if the price was right. The Belgian lads Prado and Fofana also could be decent cheaper options. It's things like this why I would absolutely not sell players like Gakpo and Elliott. We need a lot of players up top as it is. We can't afford to take away options.

It's a squad game now. We massively need lots of options to compete. This ended up a bit of ramble in the end. My main point is we can't just think sell this person and that person. We are already short of options.

So my dream summer would be: Sell: Macca, Ramsey, Chiesa, Bacjetic, Endo (sadly). Extend: Jones, Szoboslai. Absolutely keep Elliott and Gakpo unless outrageous money is offered. Buy: Palestra, Scott, Sangare, Rayan, Diomande. Loan: Zarbanyi.

Written by Davey Sulls June 7 2026 11:00:09