Liverpool fans decide which Bournemouth player they want Andoni Iraola to go back and sign straight away
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Liverpool supporters are waiting to see who Andoni Iraola will target in the transfer market after signing in as the Reds’ new head coach.It is set to be a busy summer at Anfield, with the strengthening of the forward line being the main point of focus for Iraola and Richard Hughes.Iraola ended the season with a stunning attack at Bournemouth, as 19-year-olds Rayan Vitor and Eli Junior Kroupi ran riot. What should Iraola’s first job be as Liverpool boss? 🤔 Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images As Liverpool aim to rebuild their faltering front line, Rousing The Kop asked readers to pick which of the two starlets they’d like to see arrive at Anfield with their new head coach, with some interesting results.Liverpool fans want RayanLiverpool have been linked with Kroupi after the Frenchman hit an impressive 13 Premier League goals last season.
Meanwhile, Rayan was mentioned as a target while still playing for Vasco da Gama.Though Kroupi arguably had the more impressive season of the two youngsters, fans on RTK‘s X page appear to have been swung by Liverpool’s need to secure a Mohamed Salah replacement, preferring Rayan over the striker.“Rayan will be the one we need most in our squad I reckon,” said one supporter.”Rate both of them but right now we need to prioritize a right winger,” said another.READ MORE: Andoni Iraola may promote two youngsters who Arne Slot never would and save Liverpool millionsPhoto by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images“Rayan. He’s the perfect RW we need,” someone else chimed in, with the majority opting for the Brazil international.Fans on RTK’s Facebook page were a little more split, with many declaring that they’d love to see Liverpool sign both players.But, again, with the Reds needing to boost the right side of their attack, and Rayan being a left-footed forward, the vote went with Bournemouth’s January arrival.“Ryan and [Alex] Scott, because in the place of Kroupi we have Ekitike, Isak also Rio Ngumoha and Barcola, but Rayan is Mo replacement.” Rate Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool appointment!
Credit: AFC Bournemouth/Getty Images Could Liverpool sign Rayan?Liverpool might well be kicking themselves that they did not follow up on reported interest to sign Rayan when he left Vasco in January.It is understandable that the Reds wanted to wait and see how he’d get on while playing for a lesser club first, but the young starlet may now be out of reach.Bournemouth reportedly inserted a £130m release clause into Rayan’s contract when signing him in the winter window, and it is unlikely they would let him leave for too much less than that, especially after only half a season.The Iraola link would potentially put Liverpool in a good position for a future deal, but it is likely the Reds will sign a new right winger this summer, which could block of move for Rayan. Kroupi is seemingly on the market for the right price this summer, and though the fee will be incredibly steep, he is the more realistic option for the here and now.