Seven Liverpool stars could now leave as Andoni Iraola appointment imminent
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Liverpool are closing in on the appointment of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach. Andoni Iraola has verbally agreed to take charge of Liverpool (Image: Paul Bonser/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)Liverpool are moving closer to naming Andoni Iraola as their new head coach having reached a verbal agreement with the Spaniard.
The Reds have identified the former Bournemouth manager as their top choice to succeed Arne Slot, who was dismissed after a disappointing title defence of the Premier League crown that was secured in commanding style during his inaugural season last year.With Iraola having departed the Cherries following the final match of the campaign, compensation will not pose an issue. Get Liverpool FC news, fixtures, results and transfer gossip plus selected offers and competitions Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you.
Read our Privacy PolicyHowever, the complete composition of any coaching team has yet to be finalised despite speculation connecting former Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara with a comeback, having recently departed the Barcelona coaching setup under manager Hansi Flick.The focus will then shift to the squad, with the Anfield prospects of several players having come under scrutiny in recent weeks.Among them is Alisson Becker, with Juventus having been heavily connected with an interest despite Liverpool having earlier this year activated their clause to prolong the contract of the Brazilian goalkeeper until the end of next season.While Slot hinted the club may face a decision this summer, the Liverpool Echo say the Reds have always wanted Alisson to remain, with reports in Brazil suggesting the 33-year-old has chosen to reject the advances of Juventus and stay at Anfield for at least another season.However, this could affect Giorgi Mamardashvili, who has featured 20 times this campaign. There have been suggestions the goalkeeper has been made available by his representatives on loan to Italian clubs.Among Iraola's initial decisions will be establishing whether two midfielders feature in his long-term vision.Curtis Jones is entering the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract and has drawn strong interest from Inter Milan, who were unsuccessful in an attempt to secure him on loan in January, while Turkish outfit Galatasaray are also tracking the player.Alisson Becker has been linked with a potential summer move to Juventus (Image: Getty)Liverpool, recognising this could be the final window to generate funds from the academy product, are seeking more than £30million for his signature.Harvey Elliott has come back from a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa after the Europa League winners deliberately avoided giving the 23-year-old sufficient games that would trigger their obligation to purchase him for £35million.With Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate all departing on free transfers, Liverpool have lost considerable experience, especially in defence.Joe Gomez, another player whose contract expires next summer, could prove to be a vital squad member as the club's longest-serving player, with two of the other three senior centre-backs — Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet — having never played in the Premier League.A shift in tactical philosophy under new boss Iraola could also rejuvenate Alexis Mac Allister, who had a disappointing campaign in midfield.Mac Allister still has two years remaining on his contract but, unlike fellow midfielders Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, he has not been offered fresh terms in recent months.Wataru Endo and Federico Chiesa, meanwhile, have long been touted for potential departures from Liverpool this summer owing to limited playing time under Slot's stewardship.