Key Takeaways:
- Andoni Iraola stated that Liverpool must address several squad gaps after key departures and injuries
- Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz have joined the Reds, but Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate have exited the club
- Liverpool open their pre-season campaign against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday and will play Newcastle away in their Premier League opener on August 23
Transfer Needs Following Significant Departures and Injuries
Liverpool are facing a pivotal summer in the transfer market after losing several core players, with injuries further complicating the situation. Manager Andoni Iraola, speaking to the press in Chicago on Tuesday, acknowledged that several positions within the squad require strengthening before the new season begins.
This summer, Liverpool have secured the signings of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz. However, their squad has been weakened by the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate. The Reds’ personnel crisis is exacerbated by injuries to Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley, and Giovanni Leoni, all of whom are sidelined as pre-season preparations get underway.
🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Andoni Iraola on how many signings are needed this summer:
“It's complicated to say a number. You always have to be open for options to improve the squad…"
"We analyse the market. It depends on a lot of things. But we definitely need to sign a WINGER." pic.twitter.com/bkXmqa7tGR
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 21, 2026
Iraola Highlights Transfer Priorities and Injury Problems
“I think it’s difficult to say a number (of players needed) when the market is open, and you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad,” the Spaniard told reporters in Chicago on Tuesday.
“There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players. A winger, for example — we definitely need to sign a winger.
“But there are other situations that we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what’s the cost, how we also see the players we have. We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust but is still not the ideal situation.”
Liverpool’s depth has been further tested by the exit of experienced names such as Salah, Konate, and Robertson, leaving the squad with less top-level experience heading into the new campaign.
Leadership Remains Crucial as Alisson’s Future Uncertain
Goalkeeper Alisson is another senior player whose long-term status at Anfield remains unclear. Despite the uncertainty, Iraola underlined the seasoned Brazilian’s value to the club and the importance of retaining key leaders in the dressing room.
“I think he’s someone that definitely will help us in this process of adaptation of the new signings, of the new players, the young players,” he added.
“We need the references like Virgil (van Dijk), like Alisson, like Joe Gomez, players that have been here for a long time. And I’m sure we will have this help, yes.”
Pre-season Fixtures and Opening to Premier League Campaign
Liverpool are set to kick off their pre-season with a match against Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday. Their preparation continues with further fixtures against Wrexham, Leeds United, AS Monaco, and Como. The Reds will begin their Premier League season away at Newcastle on August 23.
