Liverpool’s Transfer Turmoil Could Leave Andoni Iraola Carrying the Blame
Spare a thought for Andoni Iraola.
The new Liverpool manager was always expected to face a major challenge after taking over from Arne Slot following the 2025/26 season. However, few would have predicted the Reds’ transfer situation would become this complicated.
Iraola knew he had a huge rebuilding job ahead of him. What he would have expected, though, was strong support from Liverpool’s recruitment team to provide the quality additions needed to build a competitive squad.
So far, that hasn’t really happened.
Liverpool completed the signing of Victor Munoz in June, but it took another 53 days before Ronald Araujo arrived as the club’s next major addition. With the new campaign fast approaching, concerns are growing over whether Liverpool have done enough to strengthen the team.
That could become a major problem.
Liverpool are set to compete on several fronts during the 2026/27 season, yet there still appear to be clear weaknesses within the squad that require attention.
Araujo’s arrival certainly adds quality and experience to the defence, but the timing of the transfer has raised questions. Instead of appearing to be part of a carefully planned recruitment strategy, the deal could be viewed as a reaction to issues that should have been identified much earlier.
That puts Iraola in a difficult situation.
Ultimately, the manager will be judged by results, regardless of whether he was responsible for inheriting the squad or the club’s transfer decisions.
If Liverpool struggle in the opening weeks of the season, Iraola will inevitably face much of the criticism.
And that is exactly what makes the current situation so concerning.
Iraola was appointed to lead Liverpool into a new era, but unless the club provides him with the right players and proper backing, he could end up paying the price for problems that existed long before he arrived at Anfield.
