Iraola eyes Senesi, Rayan and Adams as Liverpool targets from Bournemouth

Andoni Iraola’s appointment as Liverpool head coach on a two-year deal could have an immediate impact on the club’s transfer activity, with the 43-year-old potentially targeting three of his former Bournemouth players for a move to Anfield.

Iraola left Bournemouth having guided the club to sixth place in the Premier League — their highest-ever finish — and into European football for the first time in their history. He succeeds Arne Slot, who finished just three points ahead of Bournemouth this season and departed without a trophy after winning the league title in his debut campaign.

Marcos Senesi

The most straightforward option is Argentine centre-back Marcos Senesi. The 29-year-old was one of the standout defenders in the Premier League this season and has already confirmed he will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires, with the club having publicly said their farewells. Tottenham are widely expected to be his destination once the transfer window opens, but Liverpool could enter the race for the ball-playing defender on a free transfer, particularly given their need for defensive cover following the loss of Ibrahima Konate.

Rayan

Bournemouth signed Brazilian forward Rayan from Vasco da Gama in January for an initial £24.7m, and the 19-year-old has already justified that outlay with five goals in 15 Premier League appearances. His performances earned him a call-up to the Brazil squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Iraola played a central role in developing Rayan into a top-flight-ready player within months, and could see him as a right-wing option at Liverpool in the absence of Mohamed Salah.

The obstacle is financial. Bournemouth inserted an £87m release clause into Rayan’s contract, though it does not activate until next summer. Any move before then would require negotiation at a potentially higher cost, making a 2026 transfer the more realistic route.

Tyler Adams

Bournemouth’s squad contains further quality beyond those two, with United States international midfielder Tyler Adams among the players Iraola could consider bringing to Merseyside. Adams has rebuilt his career at the Vitality Stadium after injury disruption and offers the kind of combative, high-energy midfield profile Iraola favours in his system.

All three potential moves carry different timelines and price points, but Iraola’s personal relationships with the players could prove a decisive factor as Liverpool look to reshape their squad under new management.