​Andoni Iraola is optimistic that Liverpool will bolster their squad with new arrivals in the coming weeks. In his first media appearance since officially taking the reins as Liverpool manager, following his arrival from Bournemouth earlier this summer, Iraola addressed the club’s transfer plans and the broader changes unfolding at Anfield. This summer has brought a substantial overhaul, with a new head coach at the helm and several senior players moving on. Among the departures are Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté, a trio who together have logged more than a thousand appearances for the Reds.
Iraola stressed that Liverpool must stay active in the transfer market to fill the gaps left by these veteran departures, while also acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts to secure deals. “Obviously we’ve signed two players already, but we need more players—we know this,” Iraola told reporters on Monday. “The club is working on this. As a coach, selfishly, you want the players here on day one, ready to train from pre-season, but we understand that football doesn’t operate like that. I know the club is working hard to get those signings, and I’m doing what I can to help.”
The club’s summer business has already brought in Victor Muñoz from Osasuna for a reported £34 million, with Jeremy Jacques’s pre-arranged move to Anfield from Rennes also completed. This period marks a significant reset for Liverpool, not only in terms of personnel but also in terms of leadership and direction. Iraola has been candid about the need for new faces to fill the voids left by the outgoings, and he emphasized the club’s commitment to strengthening the squad to compete on multiple fronts.
Looking ahead to pre-season, one potential pathway for opportunity involves Harvey Elliott. The young winger endured a difficult loan spell at Aston Villa last season, contributing only 110 minutes on the pitch. Iraola confirmed that Elliott will be afforded a chance to showcase his abilities during the upcoming pre-season matches. “Definitely Harvey is here with us; he has arrived with a visible eagerness to prove himself and to be ready again,” Iraola said. “He’ll have a chance during the pre-season. We will need him, and it’s a positive sign that he joined us a week earlier. He’s been training with the U21s, and I hope we’ll see him thriving in a good place.”
Iraola acknowledged the tough circumstances Elliott faced last season, describing them as a challenging period in which it was hard for him to get on the pitch. “I think Harvey comes from a difficult experience—an unusual situation where it was basically impossible for him to play. He can channel what he has endured into a renewed drive to become a Liverpool player,” Iraola added. This renewed motivation could be exactly what Liverpool needs as they navigate a transitional phase and bid to reestablish themselves as title contenders.
As the summer progresses, Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see how the rest of the transfer window unfolds. Iraola’s openness about the club’s recruitment needs, paired with concrete signings already in place, suggests a plan to restore depth and quality across the squad. The manager’s early comments indicate a clear intent: to integrate new players swiftly, foster competition for places, and harness the energy of emerging talents like Elliott. If Liverpool can translate this positive momentum into effective signings over the coming weeks, the club could be well-placed to kick off the new season with a stronger, more balanced squad.
In summary, Iraola’s first media briefing as Liverpool head coach underscored a decisive push to reinforce the squad after a summer of changes. While acknowledging the personal desire for immediate reinforcements, he reiterated that the club remains actively engaged in securing additional players to support the squad and to help the team hit the ground running when pre-season starts. His remarks also highlighted a proactive approach to nurturing young talent such as Elliott, signaling a balanced strategy that blends experienced additions with opportunities for rising stars to contribute meaningfully in the near term. As Liverpool look to complete their rebuilding phase, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining how quickly the new era under Iraola can start to bear fruit on the pitch.