Andoni Iraola‘s appointment as Liverpool head coach will be a boost to a number of players, including those cast aside under the previous Arne Slot regime.

Liverpool have welcomed just their 23rd permanent manager to the hotseat since 1892 in Iraola, having parted ways with Arne Slot 12 months after securing a historic 20th league title.

It was a brutal yet necessary change, highlighting the standards that have always been expected at Anfield, and with it comes a window for a couple of redemption arcs under the right circumstances.

Let’s have a look at some players who may be more excited than others by the prospect of new management ahead of next season.

1. Harvey Elliott

PL Apps (Starts): 5 (1)

All Comps Apps (Starts): 11 (3)

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Fans waved goodbye to boyhood fan Harvey Elliott a year ago on the justifiable assumption that he had kicked his last ball in a red shirt.

And yet, the 23-year-old remains officially on Liverpool’s books having failed to amass the requisite game time to formalise a £35 million move to Aston Villa.

Following some finger-pointing from both directions (neither blameless), Elliott has effectively wasted a season of his career and will be desperate to reignite his form in 2026/27, be that on Merseyside or elsewhere.

One would suspect his preference, in an ideal world, would be to succeed at Anfield and, given the current lack of players who could currently count their spot in the starting XI safe, he might just back himself to impress the new manager early doors.

It feels unlikely right now, but there are few players you would be happier for if he did manage to turn this into something of a comeback story.

2. Milos Kerkez

PL Apps (Starts): 34 (27)

All Comps Apps (Starts): 48 (38)

Goals: 2

Assists: 2

It wasn’t smooth sailing when Milos Kerkez arrived from Bournemouth back in August, but the Hungarian won supporters over as the campaign wore on and will be relishing the chance to link up with his former boss.

Kerkez thrived under Iraola at the Vitality Stadium, earning himself a deserved spot in the Premier League’s team of the season amid Liverpool’s title triumph of 2024/25.

With Andy Robertson now out of the picture, the 22-year-old will face even less of an issue getting onto teamsheets and Iraola’s aggressive style of play may favour him once more in unlocking his potential.

The left-back was hamstrung slightly from an attacking standpoint under Slot, and with uncertainty lingering at right-back, he may get the encouragement he needs to bomb forwards again.

3. Curtis Jones

PL Apps (Starts): 34 (18)

All Comps Apps (Starts): 49 (28)

Goals: 3

Assists: 3

Had Slot remained in his post, a summer move for Curtis Jones was borderline inevitable.

It still feels a likely outcome, but with countless reports suggesting his relationship with Iraola’s predecessor was a touch frosty, there may yet be an opening to finally nail down his spot in the side with a fixed label.

Having provided adequate cover at both right-back and in midfield across the campaign, Jones could continue to be an invaluable option for the Reds given the holes that persist in the squad.

The question will just remain whether or not he is happy to stick around and find out.

4. Rio Ngumoha

PL Apps (Starts): 19 (5)

All Comps Apps (Starts): 29 (9)

Goals: 2

Assists: 1

By the end of last season, Rio Ngumoha had left the manager with no choice but to open the first-team floodgates – in part due to fitness issues elsewhere, but largely through earned trust.

New management could only add to the possibilities for one of the country’s brightest talents, with fans endlessly longing to see more of him throughout the campaign just gone.

Summer activity will provide an indication as to how much we can expect him to blossom in 2026/27, but there is no limit to his talents and he won’t be scared of a little competition.

5. Trey Nyoni

PL Apps (Starts): 6 (0)

All Comps Apps (Starts): 14 (2)

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Trey Nyoni will have left last season behind hoping to have accumulated more minutes.

The gifted midfielder made 14 appearances in all competitions – 12 coming from the bench – but with question marks over a number of midfielders’ futures and plenty to do in the window, Iraola could save himself some work by looking right under his nose.

Still only 18 years old, Nyoni will undoubtedly grow into a player capable of producing at the highest level and the club will have to monitor that progression with caution, as they have done with Ngumoha.

A loan may suit him, but it feels more likely he will look to build on and surpass those appearance figures at Anfield as he heads into a new season under his third senior manager.

6. The Academy

Given the number of youngsters sent packing, be it on loan or permanently, during the early weeks of Slot’s tenure, it may come as no surprise to hear the recent reports of ‘frustration’ at the academy over the Dutchman’s lack of involvement.

Albeit at clubs of very different statures, Iraola has already demonstrated a willingness to nurture youth prospects and give them first-team opportunities where possible.

Naturally, there will be pressure to deliver results from day one and that can make taking risks of that kind tricky, but in the aforementioned Ngumoha and Nyoni, among others, there are certainly capable players waiting in the wings.

All coaches approach these things differently, but an easy, early win as Liverpool boss would be to show genuine interest in the academy, as well as offering progression routes where possible.

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Arne Slot has already turned down his first job offer since leaving Liverpool, while Ibrahima Konate‘s motive for joining Real Madrid appears to have been revealed.

Arne Slot rejects Fulham job offer

It has been less than a week since Slot was out of a job and the Dutchman is already fielding prospective job offers.

According to the Times‘ Gary Jacob, the sacked head coach has rejected the opportunity to replace Marco Silva at Fulham.

Slot is said to be “not interested” in the role and is instead “taking his time to choose his next role.”

There are growing claims he could be in line to become Netherlands manager after the World Cup, with a sense that Ronald Koeman will step down following the tournament.

AC Milan are also linked with Slot having sacked manager Max Allegri a week before Liverpool swung the axe themselves.

How much is Ibrahima Konate earning at Real Madrid?!

Konate has already been unveiled as a Real Madrid signing in the most Real Madrid of circumstances: president Florentino Perez using it as a pawn in his election campaign.

The Frenchman is widely reported to have agreed a four-year contract and his move is expected to be confirmed in the near future.

Spanish outlet El Desmarque now claim to have learned the details of Konate’s contract – including an eye-watering wage of €24 million (£20.7m) a season, or just under £400,000 per week before tax.

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Real Madrid are also reported to have agreed to pay a €20 million (£17.3m) signing-on fee, which highlights the real figures behind so-called free transfers.

While those numbers are as yet unconfirmed, there is said to have been a considerable distance between Konate’s wage demands and the amount Liverpool were willing to pay.

A salary of £400,000 a week would have made the 27-year-old the club’s highest earner following Mo Salah‘s exit.

LFC News: Bayern want Ngumoha and right-back plans

• A sensational story as Rio Ngumoha emerges as a summer target for Bayern Munich – but David Ornstein reports that Liverpool do not want to sell

• Andy Robertson‘s move to Tottenham is now official: the former Liverpool left-back is reported to have signed a two-year contract

• Liverpool are expected to prioritise a new right-back signing this summer following Conor Bradley‘s injury – who should they target?

• Andoni Iraola is not holding an unveiling press conference after being confirmed as Liverpool head coach, with his first media briefing instead coming in pre-season

• Rather predictably, Iraola is claimed to be a “huge fan” of Bournemouth winger Rayan and Liverpool’s interest is “likely to be firmed up”

More from This Is Anfield

Was Florian Wirtz‘s first season at Liverpool really that bad? Henry Jackson looks back on his debut campaign and compares the No. 7 to Roberto Firmino:

“How much can we really criticise Wirtz, considering Liverpool’s woes and Slot’s use of him?

“There are definite comparisons to Brendan Rodgers’ use of Roberto Firmino, with the Brazilian often played out of position and looking ineffective early on.

“It took Jurgen Klopp to get the best out of him and his legendary status was sealed by the time he left.”

Football News: Real’s bizarre Olise plan & Celtic’s Keane protests

• Real Madrid president Perez has added to his boasts of agreeing deals with Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Jose Mourinho by promising a €150 million bid for an unnamed ‘Galactico’ – believed to be Michael Olise (Telegraph)

• Former Tottenham head coach Thomas Frank insists he will not take a new job this summer, saying it is “not the right time to go back into management” (BBC Sport)

• Nottingham Forest have rejected Man City‘s opening bid for midfielder Elliot Anderson but talks are ongoing over a deal that is likely to be worth upwards of £100 million (The Athletic)

• Celtic fan groups have co-signed a statement opposing Robbie Keane as a candidate for their vacant manager position due to his previous role with Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv (Sky Sports)

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Rio Ngumoha has emerged as leading target for Bayern Munich as they look to strengthen their left wing this summer, but Liverpool insist he is not for sale.

Ngumoha’s reputation has soared since his breakthrough as part of Liverpool’s first team, which has seen him involved with England ahead of the World Cup.

A campaign that saw the 17-year-old make 29 appearances for the Reds, scoring twice and assisting another, has also sparked interest from elsewhere.

The Athletic‘s David Ornstein now reports that Bayern are exploring the possibility of signing Ngumoha this summer, as they consider him their “main target” to add to their left-sided options in attack.

Ngumoha is “aware of Bayern’s strong interest and intentions,” though it is unclear as of yet whether he would consider a move to the Allianz Arena.

Liverpool are yet to receive contact from Bayern but have already stressed that their No. 73 is strictly not for sale.

“They plan to enhance their options in his area of the pitch, rather than diminish them,” Ornstein adds.

The teenager is currently tied to Liverpool until 2028, having signed a three-year contract last year – the maximum length possible for his first professional terms.

But there was an understanding even at the time his current deal was announced that the club could seek to reward him with an improved, extended contract in the near future to fully reflect his value.

Bayern already have former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as their first-choice starter on the left, and it was the desire to not block Ngumoha’s pathway which convinced the Reds not to directly replace the Colombian last summer.

However there are now plans in motion to sign at least one new top-level winger in the upcoming transfer window with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande the leading candidate.

If another, such as Paris Saint-Germain left winger Bradley Barcola, were also to be signed as has been tentatively mooted, that could hinder Ngumoha’s chances of a regular starting role.

Clearly there is a delicate balancing act in motion, but no final decisions can truly be made until new head coach Andoni Iraola assesses his squad.

Speculation over Ngumoha’s future is unlikely to go away at this point in the summer but supporters will hope the youngster stays put for the long term.

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Andoni Iraola‘s appointment as Liverpool head coach has only increased links with Bournemouth players, with the Spaniard reportedly a “huge fan” of Rayan.

Brazilian winger Rayan only joined Bournemouth in a £24.7 million deal in January, but the impact he has made since arriving from Vasco da Gama has sparked wider interest.

That includes Liverpool, who were linked prior to the sacking of Arne Slot but are now expected to “firm up” their interest after Iraola replaced the Dutchman.

The i Paper‘s Mark Douglas, who is considered a reliable source for Bournemouth, claims Iraola is a “huge fan” of the 19-year-old.

He adds that Liverpool’s interest is “likely to be firmed up” despite Rayan’s release clause currently pricing him at £130 million.

Clearly that is far too high a valuation at this stage in his career but it is explained that the fee required will drop with every passing transfer window – similarly to the terms of Antoine Semenyo’s contract prior to his exit.

Rayan is an explosive, direct right winger who is capable of driving at full-backs at speed with the ball at his feet.

He scored five goals and laid on two assists in his 15 appearances after joining Bournemouth, making the step up to the Premier League look seamless.

That outstanding form earned Rayan a place in the Brazil squad for this summer’s World Cup, which will only increase the competition for his signature when he eventually leaves the south coast.

Liverpool more likely to sign Yan Diomande

As it stands it seems unlikely that Liverpool will look to sign the youngster this summer, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande a more realistic arrival.

But it could be that, particularly with Iraola in the dugout and Richard Hughes as sporting director, he remains a long-term target with scouts tracking his progress.

Liverpool are also credited with an interest in Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi but he, like midfielder Alex Scott, is more likely to stay this summer.

Douglas claims that “the luxury of European football next term” will convince the likes of Kroupi, Scott and Tyler Adams that their future still lies at Dean Court.

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Andy Robertson‘s free transfer to Tottenham has now been confirmed, with the long-serving Liverpool left-back signing a reported two-year contract.

Robertson will face Liverpool as an opposition player next season, with the Scotland captain agreeing to join Tottenham.

It comes on the expiry of his contract at Anfield, having decided not to enter talks over an extension after losing his place as first-choice left-back to Milos Kerkez.

He can be expected to join Roberto De Zerbi’s side as a regular starter, with the Tottenham head coach hailing him as a “proven winner.”

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“Andy is someone I’ve admired for a number of years and he will bring outstanding technical qualities, experience, leadership and mentality to our team,” De Zerbi said.

“He is a proven winner at the highest level over a long period and is someone who can be a big player for us, both on and off the pitch.

“I can’t wait to start working with him and seeing the positive impact he will have on everyone around him.”

Robertson will first captain his country at this summer’s World Cup before joining his new team-mates midway through pre-season.

The 32-year-old bid an emotional farewell to Anfield on the final day of last season before taking a short holiday with his family and arranging his move to north London.

He was subject of late interest from Juventus but maintained his commitment to Tottenham, having already come close to joining in the winter window.

Liverpool will now be required to appoint a new vice-captain, with Alisson among the leading contenders as deputy to captain Virgil van Dijk.

Kostas Tsimikas is expected to fill Robertson’s role as backup left-back with Kerkez now reunited with his former Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola.

Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull in a bargain £10 million deal in 2017, with midfielder Kevin Stewart heading the other way for a similar fee.

He went on to win nine trophies including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, making 378 appearances in all competitions and breaking the assist record for a defender in the English top flight.

Liverpool will learn when they will face Tottenham in next season’s Premier League when the fixtures are released on June 19.

All the best, Robbo!

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Florian Wirtz didn’t live up to the hype in his first season at Liverpool, but there was enough promise to show that he should be written off at your peril.

The German’s £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen understandably caused great excitement, given his reputation as one of Europe’s most gifted players.

In fact, Jurgen Klopp even described him as a “once-in-a-century” footballer.

What unfolded in his first year as a Liverpool player was disappointing, but how much can really be blamed on him?

Started40

As Sub9

Unused0

Goals7

Assists8

Total Apps49

Liverpool were Premier League champions heading into the new season, so to see Wirtz and Alexander Isak arriving for record-breaking fees only added to the feeling that the Reds would retain the title.

Wirtz joined off the back of two Player of the Year-winning seasons in the Bundesliga, with his touch, intelligence and end product all widely seen as world-class.

Liverpool fans had watched from afar as he won the title with Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen, going unbeaten in the process, and to beat Bayern Munich to his signature felt significant.

But as is the case with so many foreign players coming to England, Wirtz immediately found it tough to cope with the physicality of the Premier League.

His lean 5’9″ frame was bullied in the opening weeks, and while moments of class were produced, too many performances were forgettable.

It took until October for Wirtz to register his first Liverpool assist, against Eintracht Frankfurt, barring one in the Community Shield which remains a glorified friendly.

As the winter months arrived, though, the 23-year-old started to turn heads, as Liverpool’s magician hit his stride.

Florian Wirtz finds his feet before injury strikes

All season, it was clear to see that Wirtz possessed unique talent – his spatial awareness and decision-making stood out – but he only truly shone for a couple of months.

That came in and around the Christmas period, when his influence grew immeasurably and a promising partnership with Hugo Ekitike emerged.

In the space of 11 matches, between Tottenham away on December 20 and Newcastle at home on January 31, Wirtz registered at least one goal contribution in seven of them.

Overall in that period, he bagged six goals and three assists, including emphatic finishes against Barnsley, Burnley and Newcastle.

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard made it clear how much he admired Wirtz, telling TNT Sports that he would have loved to play alongside him.

“Game by game he’s evolving, he’s improving. After a tough start, big price tag, a lot of pressure, big move for him,” Gerrard said.

“In terms of this kid’s technical level, it’s world class. He’s got the world at his feet. He’s so exciting to watch.

“In tight little areas his first touch is immaculate. His awareness of what’s around him is superb, he’s always looking to create goals, he’s always trying to get on the scoresheet as well.

“For me, I always watch players and think to myself: ‘Would I like to play with him?’. I would have loved to play with this kid.”

Cruelly, just as Wirtz came close to the level many expected of him, he suffered a back injury and his season never clicked into gear again.

Can Florian Wirtz ‘do a Roberto Firmino’ at Liverpool?

Wirtz returned in March after nearly a month out, at a time when the unrest with Arne Slot was only growing amid increasingly glum performances.

The rhythm that the Germany international had previously found deserted him, and it is hard to think of a performance of note between then and the final day of the season.

He scored just once after his return, against Crystal Palace, and even his most ardent fan would admit that his body language wasn’t brimming with fight.

But how much can we really criticise Wirtz, considering Liverpool’s woes and Slot’s use of him?

There are definite comparisons to Brendan Rodgers’ use of Roberto Firmino, with the Brazilian often played out of position and looking ineffective early on.

It took Jurgen Klopp to get the best out of him and his legendary status was sealed by the time he left.

Slot doesn’t seem to be able to unleash Wirtz, and that is one of many reasons why a change in the dugout would have been preferable this summer.

Despite not fully firing, though, Wirtz (32) still created the fourth-most chances in the Champions League, behind only Arda Guler (35), Michael Olise (33) and Julian Alvarez (33).

If he is capable of that while struggling to be close to his best, that can only bode well for Liverpool.

Wirtz cost £116m and is considered a generational talent for a reason. There should be total faith in him coming good if deployed in his best role, roaming in and around the No. 10 and left-sided area.

Physically, he has already improved and a good pre-season behind him, with new speedy attacking signings aiding his creativity, will ensure he is primed to fire in 2026/27 under Andoni Iraola.

While the new coach likes to press high and create chances quickly after turnovers, when Bournemouth did build from the back, they relied on their attacking midfielder for creativity.

47 – Florian Wirtz has created 47 open play chances this season in the Premier League, the most by a player in their debut season for Liverpool since Mohamed Salah in 2017-18 (53). Heir. pic.twitter.com/bBk6KRK3bN

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 2, 2026

Like Firmino, you have to have pace in and around Wirtz to see him at his best; a couple of flying wingers and an improved Isak will immediately help.

It wasn’t the season we all hoped it would be for him, but he is a footballer with the world at his feet and is younger than many realise.

Just watch Wirtz excel for Germany as one of the best attacking players at the 2026 World Cup!

Best moment: His first Liverpool goal against Wolves.

Worst moment: An open-goal miss in the 1-0 defeat away to Galatasaray.

Role next season: Key starter and someone around whom the team should be built.

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