Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola will arrive at Anfield with two summer signings already secured under former manager Arne Slot.
The Spaniard was officially appointed on Thursday, just days after Slot’s departure, and is expected to oversee a major squad rebuild following the exits of key players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konaté.
Among the additions already lined up are highly rated defenders Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Jacquet joined from Stade Rennais FC in a deal reportedly worth £60 million and is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young defensive talents. The 20-year-old is expected to be available for pre-season after recovering from shoulder surgery.
With Konaté no longer at the club, Jacquet could be handed a larger role than initially anticipated. The French defender has already expressed his ambition to make an immediate impact, revealing that Liverpool’s history and long-term sporting project played a major role in his decision to join.
He will be joined by 18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who was signed from Austria Wien. The towering youngster attracted widespread attention after impressing at the Under-17 World Cup, helping Austria reach the final.
The arrivals underline Liverpool’s continued focus on recruiting elite young talent, following previous moves for Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha.
Iraola, renowned for developing young players, now has the opportunity to shape the futures of both defenders as he begins a new era at Anfield. Speaking after his appointment, the 43-year-old admitted the chance to compete for major trophies with Liverpool was impossible to resist, describing the club as one of the most attractive destinations in world football.
