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Liverpool's summer of 2026 has been one of the most turbulent in the club's modern history. Mohamed Salah's departure on a free transfer to Trabzonspor after nine years, Andrew Robertson's exit, and Ibrahima Konaté leaving for a big-money move abroad have left a squad that looks very different from the one that contested honours under Arne Slot last season. Now it falls to Andoni Iraola — the meticulous Spaniard who guided Bournemouth into the top half of the Premier League before being lured to Anfield — to reshape Liverpool's identity and keep them competing on every front.
Iraola Takes the Helm
When Arne Slot left Liverpool at the end of the 2025-26 campaign, the club moved quickly to bring in someone with a clear footballing philosophy. Iraola, known for his high-tempo, pressing-based football and obsessive tactical preparation, was the unanimous choice of the sporting hierarchy. He signed a long-term deal and immediately set about identifying the reinforcements he would need to make the transition seamless.
"We know this is a period of change," Iraola said at his unveiling. "But Liverpool's infrastructure, its supporters, and the players we are bringing in give me enormous confidence. We will be competitive."
Kerkez Arrives to Replace Robertson
The first piece of the puzzle was filling the void left by the veteran Robertson. Liverpool moved decisively to sign Hungary international Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth — Iraola's old club — for £40 million. The 21-year-old left-back is electric going forward and has already demonstrated the ability to thrive in a high-press system. It is a signing that tells you everything about Iraola's vision: young, energetic, with room to grow.
Araujo Adds Steel at the Back
In central defence, Liverpool addressed the loss of Konaté by bringing in Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan, who has played Champions League football at the highest level with Barcelona, adds experience, aggression, and leadership alongside Virgil van Dijk. At 25, Araujo is entering the peak years of his career and gives Iraola a defensive partnership with genuine presence.
Jacquet and VÃctor Muñoz Freshen the Midfield
Midfield has also seen investment. Rayan Jacquet brings pace and energy from the left side of midfield, while VÃctor Muñoz adds technical quality and pressing intensity in the engine room. Both arrivals fit the Iraola blueprint perfectly — quick, aggressive in transition, and comfortable with the ball under pressure.
The Winger Question Remains
For all the positives, one major question mark remains: who replaces Salah's output on the right flank? The Egyptian scored 26 goals in his final season at Anfield and was still the best wide player in the Premier League at 34. Finding a like-for-like replacement at short notice is almost impossible, and it represents the biggest challenge of Iraola's first summer. Names have been linked, but as of now the right wing berth remains unfilled — and it could determine Liverpool's early-season form.
Verdict
Liverpool are in transition, but they are not in crisis. The signings of Kerkez, Araujo, Jacquet, and Muñoz show a coherent plan. Iraola has the tactical intelligence and man-management skills to guide a squad in flux, and the club's foundations remain strong. If he can find a reliable goal threat on the right, Liverpool could surprise a few people this season. If that piece doesn't arrive, they may find the gap left by Salah harder to bridge than anyone imagined.
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