After a disappointing 2025-26 campaign, Liverpool have decided to part ways with Arne Slot and are preparing to appoint Andoni Iraola as their new manager.

Iraola earned widespread praise during his three-year tenure at Bournemouth, culminating in a remarkable sixth-place Premier League finish and a Europa League qualification.

Although Liverpool already possess several high-profile players, the 43-year-old manager is expected to make key signings during the summer transfer window to establish his own tactical identity.

Here are five players who could perfectly fit into Iraola’s plans at Liverpool.

Following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid last summer, the right-back position has been an ongoing concern for Liverpool.

Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley both struggled with inconsistency and injuries throughout the 2025-26 season, with Frimpong perhaps better suited to a wing-back role.

Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai all filled in at right-back at various times, but the club clearly need a natural specialist in that role.

Kayode has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting right-backs after a stellar debut season with Brentford, particularly impressing in both fixtures against Liverpool.

His long throws were a constant threat in Brentford’s 3-2 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium, and he effectively neutralised Rio Ngumoha at Anfield in the season finale.

The 21-year-old’s energy and work rate were outstanding — he covered an impressive 386km in league play last season.

Only Bournemouth left-back Adrien Truffert covered more ground among defenders, underlining how well Kayode would suit Iraola’s high-intensity approach.

Central defence is another area likely to be addressed, following the announcement that Ibrahima Konate will depart Liverpool upon the expiry of his contract.

Iraola will inherit promising young defenders Giovanni Leoni and incoming talent Jeremy Jacquet, two of Europe’s brightest prospects in their position.

However, Liverpool still need an experienced partner for club captain Virgil van Dijk, who will turn 35 before the 2026-27 season starts.

Had Iraola taken charge earlier, Marcos Senesi might have followed him from Bournemouth to Anfield, but the Argentine has already agreed to join Tottenham.

The Reds have since been linked with Nico Schlotterbeck, who continues to thrive at Borussia Dortmund and is widely considered one of the world’s best ball-playing centre-backs.

Schlotterbeck averaged 6.7 accurate long passes per 90 minutes in the Bundesliga last season, aligning perfectly with Iraola’s preference for defenders who can quickly transition play.

The German international recently extended his contract at Dortmund, though reports suggest it includes a release clause around £50 million.

Another Bournemouth product on this list, Alex Scott, flourished under Iraola’s guidance and was shortlisted for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award for 2025-26.

Scott’s composure under pressure and ability to drive the ball forward would represent a clear upgrade over Alexis Mac Allister, who endured a difficult season.

Manchester United, Tottenham, and Chelsea have all shown interest in the 22-year-old, but Iraola’s presence could give Liverpool an edge in securing his signature.

“He’s an incredible human being, first of all,” Scott said when asked about Iraola. “He’s an incredible coach too — the way he transformed this team and the club’s ambitions has been amazing.

“For me personally, he gave me my opportunity, signed me, and trusted me throughout my time in the Premier League. I couldn’t be more grateful to him for that. It’s sad that he’s leaving after all the work he’s done to get us into Europe, but I wish him the very best for the future.”

With Mac Allister out of form and Curtis Jones possibly leaving, Liverpool could look to reinforce their midfield with two new additions this summer.

Iraola’s Bournemouth team were known for their aggressive pressing and dominance of second balls in midfield. If he aims to replicate that intensity at Anfield, Bruno Guimaraes should be high on his list.

Since joining Newcastle United from Lyon in January 2022, the Brazilian midfielder has been the driving force behind Eddie Howe’s side.

Guimaraes sets the tempo for Newcastle’s pressing game and covered an astonishing 13.24km in their 4-3 victory over Leeds United in January — the longest distance covered by any Premier League player during the 2025-26 season.

Liverpool understand the challenges of negotiating with Newcastle, having experienced the Alexander Isak transfer saga last year.

However, with Newcastle missing out on Champions League qualification, the 28-year-old could follow Anthony Gordon in seeking a move if a suitable offer arrives.

One of the greatest challenges awaiting Iraola at Anfield will be to replace Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian forward netted 257 goals and provided 123 assists in 442 appearances across all competitions during a glorious nine-year stint at the club.

Michael Olise has been mentioned as a potential target, though a move appears unlikely, and finding a direct replacement for Salah’s output would be nearly impossible.

RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has been considered, but Iraola might prefer to reunite with Rayan, a player he knows well.

Rayan joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in the January window and quickly impressed with five goals and two assists in 15 Premier League appearances.

The 19-year-old has been called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad this summer and is viewed as one of the most promising young wingers in world football.

While Bournemouth are keen to retain him for another season and would demand a significant fee, signing Rayan could be a shrewd long-term investment for Liverpool.