The second piece to Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool puzzle is obvious, he needs to get this deal done | OneFootball

Andoni Iraola has only been Liverpool's manager for around a month but the Spaniard has already been fairly busy.

He's welcomed two new players to Anfield and has even managed to lead the club to a couple of pre-season wins.

Indeed, the level of competition that the Reds were facing aren't the highest quality of opposition but, the fact that Iraola's system is already shining through proves how quickly he's got to work.

However, even though the Reds have a fairly solid squad, their depth is massively lacking and, without some new players being brought in, it's unclear how well the Anfield outfit will actually do during the 2026-27 season.

So, that's why it's hardly surprising to see several players already being linked with an Anfield switch.

Indeed, some deals feel more advanced than others but, one move literally feels like the next piece to Iraola's puzzle after Victor Munoz's arrival.

Liverpool could still end up hijacking Chelsea's potential move for Alex Scott

One of the main areas that Liverpool need to upgrade is their midfield.

Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were Arne Slot's three preferred options last term but, if we're being honest, two thirds of them failed to meet the standards expected of them.

And, since Curtis Jones basically has one foot out of the Anfield doors, it's clear that Liverpool's midfield is going to be a massive problem for them this term if they don't bring anyone new in.

Several central-midfielders have obviously already been rumoured to be of interest to the Reds but, since they have so many issues that they need to sort out, it feels like there's one perfect player for them to target.

And, .

According to an update from Caught Offside, Chelsea are still vying for the transfer of the 22-year-old but, Liverpool could be another team to keep an eye on regarding a potential transfer.

"For now, it looks like Chelsea are the favourites for Scott if Bournemouth can be persuaded to sell," they wrote.

"The Englishman also has interest from the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Tottenham, while Arsenal also made an enquiry earlier this summer.

"'Chelsea have done the most work on Alex Scott so far,” one source said. “They’re prepared to try again for around £70m, but that’s also probably going to be rejected by Bournemouth.'

"'Let’s see, but other clubs could still come into the conversation. Andoni Iraola knows the player well and is a big fan, so I wouldn’t rule out Liverpool.'"

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Alex Scott would be a perfect addition for Liverpool

When joining Liverpool, Iraola was probably rather happy to have Milos Kerkez back at his disposal.

The left-back put in a career-best performance under the Spaniard during the 2024-25 season with the Hungarian even earning himself an admission into the Premier League's team of the season.

Kerkez was obviously in top form for the Cherries during that campaign as he managed to contribute to eight goals across all competitions.

These statistics, coupled with the fact that he was always in the right place at the right time make him perfect for Iraola's system.

And, with him being among the Reds' ranks, the transition to the Spaniard's playing style was likely much easier.

Scott, on the other hand, stuck with Bournemouth and helped lead them to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last term.

Much like Kerkez in the 2024-25 season, Scott was one of the Cherries' best-performing players and was one of the main reasons behind their success.

So, with all of this in mind, it's clear why so many clubs want to prise the Englishman away from the Vitality Stadium.

Indeed, his transfer would cost a hefty chunk of change but, if it helps make life easier for Iraola and helps get Liverpool back on track, the money that they'd spend on the midfielder would be more than worth it.