Andoni Iraola on Liverpool's Transfer Strategy: A Matter of Coaching
Andoni Iraola has nailed his colours to the mast. Liverpool’s new head coach says he is “very happy” with the club’s transfer business since his arrival and insists the next step is on him.
The signings are in. Now, he says, it is “a matter of coaching.”
Iraola backs Liverpool’s transfer strategy
Liverpool made four major additions this summer, headlined by the £123m capture of Bradley Barcola from Paris St-Germain. The 21-year-old winger is available to make his Premier League debut on Friday night when the Reds face Ipswich Town, a potentially explosive introduction to English football.
A £60m deal for centre-back Jeremy Jacquet was wrapped up back in January, but the Frenchman has only just linked up with the squad. Under Iraola, Liverpool have also brought in winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m and secured defender Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.
That level of outlay has not stopped questions about what Liverpool did not do. The club chose not to reinforce at right-back or bring in a new central midfielder, decisions Iraola openly defended.
“Do I want more signings? In the end, the club has decided those signings we have done are the ones that will improve our team, improve the positions,” he said.
“There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes sporting or economical. It didn't make sense in the market for those moves.
“But I'm happy now. I have a lot of quality in the team. Now it is the moment for me and the players to develop what we have.”
No Curtis Jones replacement – by design
One of the summer’s most notable departures came in midfield. Curtis Jones left for Inter Milan in a £30m move after making 49 appearances last season. Liverpool chose not to replace him directly.
That leaves Iraola with four senior central midfielders: Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo, with youngster Trey Nyoni also pushing from below.
“In midfield we have good numbers,” Iraola said. “Now it's a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I'm finding now the best combinations and we are going through a period now where we will play a lot of games and we'll have a chance to see the options we have and the combinations we have.
“It's a matter of coaching.”
The message is clear: Liverpool will lean on versatility, rotation and the manager’s work on the training ground rather than another big-money midfield signing.
Holding firm over Cody Gakpo
Liverpool’s resolve was tested in attack too. Manchester City came forward with an £80m bid for Cody Gakpo, but the club rejected it and Iraola made no secret of his relief.
He said he was “glad to keep Cody Gakpo because he is a valuable player”, underlining the Dutchman’s importance in a squad already reshaped in key areas.
Big fees paid, big offers turned down, and glaring gaps left unfilled by choice rather than neglect. Iraola has his squad now. The question is no longer who Liverpool should sign, but how far this group can go under a coach who has put the responsibility squarely on his own shoulders.
