Iraola Backs Anfield Talent While Wide-Forward Search Continues

Andoni Iraola has expressed confidence in Liverpool’s squad despite questions over the club’s limited summer recruitment and the availability of several players recovering from long-term injuries. The Guardian reported that the new head coach believes Liverpool should not be underestimated as he begins his first Premier League season at Anfield.

Watch the highlights:

Liverpool entered last season widely viewed as title favourites but finished fifth, a campaign that ended with Arne Slot losing his job. Iraola has declined to set a specific target for his debut season, yet he said the quality of the players already at the club has strengthened his belief in what the team can achieve.

Recruitment remains unfinished. According to the Guardian, Liverpool are searching for two wide forwards and have considered Paris Saint-Germain players Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, as well as Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh and other names on their shortlist. Brighton rejected Liverpool’s latest offer for Minteh, reported at £60 million, so no deal for the Gambia international has been confirmed.

Iraola acknowledged that pessimism around Liverpool may partly reflect injuries to players who have undergone major surgery. He did not identify a timetable for their return, saying only that the club knew the situation would affect the opening period of the season. At the same time, he expects the remaining transfer window to provide an opportunity to strengthen the group.

The manager also highlighted Alexander Isak as a player with significant scope to improve after last season. Isak is due to return to Newcastle on Sunday for the first time since leaving the club the previous summer. Iraola said availability must come before performance, but praised the striker’s ability both to link play and attack space, adding that Isak’s work within Liverpool’s press improved during pre-season.

There have been further changes within the squad. Iraola has appointed Dominik Szoboszlai as one of Liverpool’s vice-captains, while midfielder Curtis Jones has completed a move to Inter Milan. The Guardian reported that Inter will pay €30 million plus a possible €5 million in add-ons, with Liverpool retaining a 10% sell-on clause. Those confirmed changes sit alongside a recruitment search that remains active rather than resolved.