Iraola inherits a squad in flux as 12 players exit Liverpool with two more at risk

Andoni Iraola takes charge of a Liverpool squad already stripped of 12 players this summer, with Mohamed Salah and Ibrahima Konate among the most prominent names to have left Anfield — and two more first-team regulars could follow before the window closes.

Salah confirmed his departure earlier this year, ending his contract a year ahead of schedule to pursue a new challenge. Konate, meanwhile, is strongly linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid after the two parties failed to agree fresh terms. Andy Robertson also left on a free, joining Tottenham before representing Scotland at the World Cup.

The remaining confirmed exits are largely academy products: Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, James Balagizi, DJ Bernard, Oakley Cannonier, Josh Davidson, Terence Miles, and Jacob Poytress. In an official statement, the club thanked all departing players and wished them well for the future.

Curtis Jones is the senior player most likely to be next out of the door. Inter Milan have already made an approach for the 25-year-old midfielder, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, though their initial proposal fell short of Liverpool’s valuation. The Serie A club are reported to be serious suitors and are exploring the sale of Davide Frattesi to Nottingham Forest to fund a move. Liverpool are believed to value Jones at around £35m but could accept closer to £25m.

Federico Chiesa has made his own position clear. The Italy international told Gazzetta dello Sport that he will seek a move away if Iraola cannot guarantee him regular first-team football. “I repeat: I want to play,” Chiesa said. “If I don’t find consistency in the Premier League, I’ll have to look elsewhere. I barely played in my first year at Liverpool, and in the last one, very little. I’ll go on a training camp in the US, then I’ll talk to the club and the new manager, Iraola, and we’ll see. I’m open to anything; the important thing is to play. I’m not so presumptuous as to say: I have to be a starter. I’m ready to fight for a place, anywhere.”

Chiesa has not ruled out staying, but speculation over a return to Italy persists. Reports from January suggested Juventus had held preliminary talks with Liverpool over a reunion, though nothing materialised at the time. Whether Iraola views him as part of his plans will likely determine the winger’s future over the coming weeks.