Andoni Iraola reveals Liverpool must address obvious transfer needs
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has confirmed the club has obvious areas to strengthen in the transfer market ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Merseyside club have already secured the services of defender Jérémy Jacquet and forward Víctor Muñoz.
However, the squad requires further reinforcements following the high-profile departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté.
Search for new wingers
The Basque tactician admitted that finding wide players is a definitive priority during this window.
“When the market is open, you have to be always open to new options to improve the squad.”
He added that while they definitely need to sign a winger, other positions will depend on market availability and overall cost.
“There are obvious situations where we need to sign players, winger for example, we definitely need to sign a winger, but there are other situations where we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what is the cost, how we also see the players we have.”
The manager also highlighted that the club is currently managing injuries in several tricky positions.
Mac Allister’s Anfield future
Iraola also addressed mounting speculation surrounding the future of midfielder Alexis Mac Allister.
The 27-year-old is scheduled to return for pre-season training later this summer after helping Argentina reach the World Cup final.
Despite having two years remaining on his current contract, the South American playmaker has been heavily linked with a move to Spain.
However, the new Anfield boss expressed a strong desire to retain the talented midfielder.
“I think Alexis has been one of the best players of the club last year and has done a very good World Cup.”
Iraola acknowledged that interest from other clubs is a natural consequence of possessing world-class talent.
“But I want to, also as other clubs want, I want to keep my good players. Probably I’m looking forward more to signing new players than the ones we have here.”
United States pre-season preparations
The Reds are currently based in Chicago as part of their United States tour.
They are scheduled to face domestic rivals Sunderland and Leeds United, as well as Wrexham, in their upcoming warm-up fixtures.