Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed his delight at the club's summer transfer business, stating that his primary responsibility now is to develop the squad he has at his disposal. This summer, the Reds completed four major signings, the highlight being the acquisition of French winger Bradley Barcola from PSG for £123 million.
The 23-year-old newcomer has trained with his teammates all week and is set to feature in Liverpool's away match against Ipswich Town this Friday. Despite the buzz around new signings, the club's hierarchy decided against bringing in reinforcements for the right-back position and defensive midfield, a strategy Iraola fully supports:
Did I want more signings? Ultimately, the club decided that these acquisitions would strengthen the team and fill the necessary positions. There were other options we turned down for various reasons—sometimes sporting, sometimes economic. There wasn't any logic in such deals on the market. But right now, I'm happy. We've gathered top-level players. It's time for me and the players to develop what we have.
In addition to Barcola, the Reds welcomed central defender Jeremy Jacque, whose deal for £60 million was completed back in January, winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5 million, and they secured the loan signing of defender Ronald Araujo from Barcelona.
Balancing midfield and rejecting sale of Gakpo to Manchester City
Liverpool consciously opted against signing a direct replacement for Curtis Jones, who was sold to Inter Milan for £30 million. The academy graduate appeared in 49 matches last season, but now Iraola has four experienced central midfielders at his disposal: Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Wataru Endo, alongside the promising talent Trae Nyoni.
We have enough depth and quality in midfield," Iraola highlighted. "Now it's up to me to find the best combinations. We’re entering a packed schedule where we'll have the chance to evaluate various options. It’s a question of coaching.
The Spanish manager also emphasised the importance of retaining Cody Gakpo, for whom Manchester City reportedly made an £80 million bid: I'm very pleased that we kept Cody Gakpo because he’s an incredibly valuable player. The Dutchman has already contributed a goal and an assist in the opening two fixtures.
Biggest transfers of the summer window in the Premier League
Barcola's move to Anfield ranks as the second most expensive transfer in the summer window in England, following Enzo Fernandez's switch:
| No. | Player | Transfer Direction | Transfer Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enzo Fernandez | To Manchester City | £125 million |
| 2 | Bradley Barcola | To Liverpool | £123 million |
| 3 | Morgan Rogers | To Chelsea | £117 million |
| 4 | Elliot Anderson | To Manchester City | £116 million |
| 5 | Sandro Tonali | To Tottenham Hotspurs | £100 million |
| Source: BritBall.Net | Biggest deals of the Premier League transfer window | |||
Analysis: Time for Iraola to prove his coaching credentials
So far, Iraola has yet to secure a victory in charge of Liverpool, with the season starting with draws of 2-2 against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. However, in his first press conference following the closure of the transfer window, the Spaniard appeared confident, stating he now feels much more comfortable with his final squad.
His ability to develop players was a key factor in his appointment. Considering the January signing of Jacque, Liverpool demonstrated the highest net transfer expenditure of any Premier League club this summer.
I want to win. I need to win, Iraola summarised ahead of the trip to Portman Road.
