Iraola hints at multiple signings as Liverpool face squad depth concerns before deadline

Andoni Iraola has signalled that Liverpool will make multiple signings before the transfer deadline, admitting the club needs targeted reinforcements after a summer of significant departures stripped depth from his squad.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League opener at Newcastle, the Spaniard stopped short of naming specific targets but was candid about the areas requiring attention. “What do we need? There are certain situations we need, specifically in the wing, other positions we have to be open-minded in the market that can honestly improve our team,” Iraola said. “It’s about improving the squad, we have very good players already, to improve we need specific players.”

The scale of Liverpool’s summer exodus has been considerable. Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté have all left the club, and Curtis Jones is now on the verge of completing a permanent move to Inter Milan that would end a 20-year association with the Reds and bring in around £30 million. Jones had entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield without ever fully nailing down a regular starting place.

Iraola spoke warmly of the academy graduate while acknowledging the situation. “I spoke to him in the first or second training session, I value him a lot as a player and he loves this club,” the manager said, confirming the deal was not yet official but describing it as an “ongoing situation”.

Jones’s departure leaves Liverpool thinner in central midfield, though Iraola suggested it could accelerate opportunities for James McConnell and Trey Nyoni, who has caught the eye during pre-season.

On the incomings side, Liverpool have been linked with Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola and had a bid rejected for Yankuba Minteh, with PSG’s Ibrahim Mbaye also mentioned as a target. Iraola declined to comment on players not yet at the club but made clear the club would not rush into deals for the sake of it.

“I know you will ask me a lot of questions but I am focused on the game at Newcastle, that is massive for me, and using the very good players we have right now in the building in the best way so we can be competitive from the beginning,” he said.

With the window still open and Liverpool’s squad visibly lighter than it was 12 months ago, Iraola faces the challenge of fielding a competitive side from the first whistle while the business of rebuilding continues around him.