Iraola era begins: Five smart signings Liverpool could target to power the Spaniard’s Anfield revolution | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola is the new manager of Liverpool with official confirmation of the Spaniard's appointment this week.

Iraola arrives with a growing reputation after impressing at Bournemouth,though knows a move to Anfield represents a huge step up. Managers are often defined by their transfer recruitment, and Iraola has problems to fix in his inherited squad.

We've profiled five players who could help implement Iraola's ideas at Liverpool.

Michael Kayode - Brentford

Right-back was a problem position for Liverpool last season, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones forced to fill in with regularity, as Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong struggled with injuries.

Michael Kayode has earned admirers since arriving in thePremier League at Brentford, where his athleticism has shone at both ends of the pitch.

Last season, the 21-year-old ranked in the top five percent of full-backs in the Premier League for total successful dribbles, chances created, and duels won. He's proven capable of locking up some top wingers one-vs-one, while a ludicrously long throw is another weapon in his arsenal.

Micky van de Ven - Tottenham Hotspur

Ibrahima Konate's exit as a free agent leaves a void in central defence, a position that was already an area of concern at Anfield.

Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet are among the best young centre-backs in Europe, but each lack experience and are heading into the new season on the back of long-term injuries.

Micky van de Ven is a deal that makes plenty of sense. The Dutch defender is a teammate of Frimpong, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo at international level, and would help replace Konate's recovery pace in abundance. With Spurs set to sign Marcos Senesi and also pushing for Jan Paul van Hecke, could an opportunity open up to sign the 25-year-old?

Mamadou Sangare - Lens

Mamadou Sangare has emerged as a data analyst's dream following a superb season at Lens. The Malian midfielder arrived from Rapid Wien last summer and helped Lens to Champions League qualification, scoring three times and providing four assists.

It's Sangare's off-the-ball work that stands out, where he sits in the top 10% of midfielders across Europe for percentage of defensive duels won and possessions won. Liverpool looked a soft touch at times last season and Sangare would help bring back some of the side's former intensity.

Alex Scott - Bournemouth

Managers often raid their former teams for talent and Alex Scott looks ready to be cherry-picked from Bournemouth. The 22-year-old was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award in 2025-26 after flourishing under Iraola.

Scott is well-versed in Iraola's methods, comfortable carrying possession when under pressure, and primed for a step up. Liverpool are also in need of homegrown additions.

Yan Diomande - RB Leipzig

Replacing Mohamed Salah is the unenviable task facing Liverpool this summer and the Reds seem tohave focused on Yan Diomande. Initial conversations have been held with RB Leipzig over last season's Bundesliga breakout star.

Though the 19-year-old differs in style from Salah, the potential is clear. Diomande was among the top 10% of wingers in Europe for progressive carries, successful dribbles, non-penalty goals and key passes in 2025/26, an astonishing set of metrics for a teenager in their first top-five league campaign.