Iraola admits Liverpool squad 'still quite thin' and vows to sign players before deadline

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has publicly acknowledged that his squad is “still quite thin” and pledged that the club will add players before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September, with the Reds yet to adequately replace several key departures.

The exits of Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Curtis Jones, combined with a long-term injury to striker Hugo Ekitike, have left Liverpool short in multiple positions as the 2026/27 season approaches. Winger Victor Munoz and defender Ronaldo Araujo are the only outfield arrivals so far this summer, though midfielder Jeremey Jacquet also joined Anfield following a £55m deal agreed in February.

“We will definitely sign some players. Some deals you have to wait until the end,” Iraola said. “But the end is the important picture, the one we will have on September 1, because it is true that we are still quite thin.”

The former Bournemouth manager’s comments about deals requiring patience may have been a veiled reference to ongoing negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain over winger Bradley Barcola. Liverpool have held an interest in the France international since the start of the summer, but the two clubs remain far apart on valuation, with PSG reportedly demanding £145m for the 22-year-old.

Liverpool also saw a £50m bid for Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh rejected recently, though it remains unclear whether they will return with an improved offer for the Gambia international.

With the Premier League title among Liverpool’s ambitions for the coming season, Iraola will be acutely aware that depth and quality in wide areas in particular need addressing before the window shuts. The Reds open their league campaign away to Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday, 23 August.