Arne Slott’s time at Liverpool is numbered. Just 12 months after leading the club to their second ever Premier League title, the Dutchman was sacked as manager. This is a big decision for the Reds’ upper management, and they will now begin the search for his replacement.
With cult hero Xabi Alonso already putting pen to paper to sign as Chelsea manager, Liverpool’s options are a bit slim. The clear frontrunner at the moment is Andoni Iraola, who worked with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes at Bournemouth. Should the pair rekindle their relationship, Express Sport has identified several transfer targets that could be targeted in the summer window.
Naturally, Iraola will look to players he has used at Bournemouth as potential options. Eli Junior Crupi has had a breakout season and looks set to join one of the continent’s biggest clubs. The 19-year-old, who has scored 13 goals in 33 league appearances, certainly knows where the back of the net is and is clearly enjoying developing his game under Iraola.
More than just the Cherries, Alex Scott was one of the Cherries’ most important players this season. The midfielder was probably unlucky not to be called up to the England squad, but the 22-year-old’s best days are undoubtedly ahead. Capable of playing multiple different roles in the middle of the park, he would be a perfect fit for Iraola’s new Liverpool side.
The move had been discussed even before Slott’s departure, as Bradley Barcola had been linked with a move from Paris Saint-Germain. With the injury to Hugo Ekitike and the departure of Mohamed Salah, Liverpool are in need of an immediate forward to join. Barcola has two years left on his contract and Liverpool may aim to use that to their advantage as they aim to sign Europe’s most promising talent.
One of the biggest challenges facing Iraola when he is likely to arrive at Anfield will be to fill the void left by the departing Ibrahima Konate. Jarel Quansah left Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen last summer and enjoyed a fantastic season with the German team. The 20-time champion boasts a buy-back clause in his contract with Quansah, which is rumored to be worth up to £70 million. It would be an expensive return, but it could be worth it as centre-back options aren’t as plentiful.
