Anfield Watch
·6 June 2026
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Yahoo sportsAnfield Watch
·6 June 2026
Liverpool are finally entering the race for an incredible English star.
Liverpool's midfield could be set for significant changes this summer as Andoni Iraola prepares to put his stamp on the squad. While much of the focus has been on potential arrivals elsewhere, the centre of the pitch is quickly becoming an area that may require major attention.
The futures of both Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones remain uncertain. Jones is entering the final year of his contract, and with no breakthrough in negotiations yet, Liverpool may be forced to consider their options if a suitable offer arrives.
Mac Allister's situation is arguably even more intriguing. The Argentine remains one of Liverpool's most technically gifted players, but there are growing doubts about whether he is the ideal fit for the relentless, high-intensity football that Iraola demands from his midfielders.
With his contract entering its final two years, Liverpool are approaching a crucial crossroads. The club have traditionally been reluctant to allow players to run down their deals, particularly when they still hold significant market value.
Given the reported interest from Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, this summer could represent the final opportunity for Liverpool to secure a premium fee for Mac Allister before his value begins to decline.
More importantly, Iraola's system requires a very specific midfield profile. His teams rely on constant pressing, aggressive counter-pressing and the ability to cover huge distances without the ball. Energy, athleticism and intensity are non-negotiable traits.
That is why it feels increasingly inevitable that sporting director Richard Hughes will enter the market for midfield reinforcements. Whether Mac Allister stays or goes, Liverpool need greater depth and players who can consistently execute Iraola's demanding style across a long campaign.
As the club enters a new era, midfield recruitment could become one of the defining themes of the summer. If Liverpool want to fully embrace Iraola's philosophy, fresh additions in the middle of the park will be essential.
And there are so many potential options Liverpool could target. From Adam Wharton to Mamadou Sangare and Lamine Camara. Mateus Fernandes is also high sought after and will be on the shortlist for the Reds.
But there is one more exciting option who Liverpool have just entered the race for.
If Liverpool are serious about building a midfield capable of thriving under Iraola, then Alex Scott should be near the top of Hughes' shortlist.
And according to Ekrem Konur, the Reds are now considering a move for the 22-year-old.
The Bournemouth midfielder already knows exactly what Iraola expects from his players. Having developed under the Spaniard on the south coast, Scott has become one of the best examples of the intensity, energy and tactical discipline required to make Iraola's system work.
At just 22, he combines technical quality with relentless work rate. Scott is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, progressing play through midfield and carrying possession into dangerous areas. Just as importantly, he is willing to do the hard yards without the ball, pressing aggressively and covering huge distances throughout matches.
That profile makes him a natural fit for the style Liverpool are expected to adopt. Iraola's teams rely on midfielders who can play at a high tempo, win duels and transition quickly between defence and attack. Scott has already proven he can do all of those things in the Premier League.
His versatility is another major advantage. He can operate as a No. 8, a deeper midfielder or even in wider areas when needed. That flexibility would give Liverpool valuable tactical options across a demanding season.
With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones, adding a young midfielder who understands Iraola's methods could prove invaluable. Scott would not require a lengthy adaptation period and could hit the ground running from day one.
For Liverpool, it would be a signing that makes sense on every level - strategically, tactically and financially. Few players appear better suited to the demands of the Iraola era than Scott.







































