Andoni Iraola's dream Joe Gomez replacement as Liverpool boss signs £40m former player
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Andoni Iraola is already feeling the pressure of dealing with another Liverpool injury crisis in defenceAndoni Iraola’s Liverpool tenure almost got off to a perfect start last week. As such, with Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Newcastle United less than a month away, Iraola will be desperate to add a central defender before the transfer window shuts on September 1.Given first-choice right-back Conor Bradley is set to miss a huge chunk of the season with his own knee injury, the Reds would be wise to look for a central defender who can also play right-back.While there are many defenders on the market, signing one who can step into Iraola’s system seamlessly, requires no time to adapt to the pace of the Premier League, and still represents good value for money, is a difficult task.Enter James Hill of Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old is a player Iraola already knows well and trusts from his time with the Cherries.Hill was one of his most reliable defenders last season, having made 29 appearances in the league. He is clearly a player that would bolster Iraola’s defence once more - this time in Liverpool's colours.But despite a breakout season, there has been virtually zero transfer noise around Hill as of yet, meaning Liverpool have work to do if they want to land his signature.
While that would ordinarily not have been too difficult, the defender recently heaped praise on his new manager Rose and is clearly relishing the chance to play European football next season.He may also be tentative about coming in as a back-up, given Liverpool’s other defenders will eventually return to fitness. Liverpool's ideal defensive signing is clear to see - all that remains now is for the club to move swiftly in order to give Iraola the best chance of success this season.Thousands of fans upgraded their Premier League matchday last season.