Andoni Iraola knows exactly what he wants and more importantly, who he wants.
That was evident with the signing of Victor Muñoz.
Liverpool moved quickly to get the deal done for Iraola, knowing there was a genuine risk of the player ending up elsewhere. The club acted decisively and secured the target before another destination could be finalised.
There will be more names linked in the coming weeks, and undoubtedly some new ones too. One thing already seems clear though, if Liverpool identify a player as a priority and rival interest begins to grow, they won’t be hanging around waiting to make their move.
There is loads Liverpool don't have to take from Arsenal. We don't need to do the time wasting and the set piece reliance. Etc.
But if we want to play and play (I am all for it) then the main thing we are going to need is enough footballers, especially in the attacking areas.
Arsenal had 7 last season who
a) played over 900 PL/CL mins
b) played the majority of those at LW/CF/RW
This doesn't include Eze, Odegaard, Jesus, Nwareri or Dowman.
As it stands we have 3 contenders for that plus Ngumoha. Wanting to make it 5 plus Ngumoha isn't unreasonable.
That run between first and second international breaks is exactly why Liverpool need 5 senior forwards before counting Ekitike and Ngumoha.
Munoz makes three. Two more required.
Full Liverpool fixture list:
August
GW1: Newcastle United (A)
GW2: Nottingham Forest (H)
September
GW3: Ipswich Town (A)
GW4: Fulham (H)
GW5: Bournemouth (A)
October
GW6: Manchester City (H)
GW7: Brentford (A)
GW8: Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
GW9: Arsenal (H)
November
GW10: Crystal Palace (A)
GW11: Manchester United (H)
GW12: Everton (A)
December
GW13: Sunderland (H)
GW14: Chelsea (A)
GW15: Leeds United (H)
GW16: Tottenham Hotspur (H)
GW17: Hull City (A)
GW18: Aston Villa (A)
January
GW19: Coventry City (H)
GW20: Sunderland (A)
GW21: Crystal Palace (H)
GW22: Manchester United (A)
GW23: Everton (H)
February
GW24: Arsenal (A)
GW25: Coventry City (A)
GW26: Hull City (H)
GW27: Tottenham Hotspur (A)
March
GW28: Aston Villa (H)
GW29: Ipswich Town (H)
GW30: Fulham (A)
April
GW31: Newcastle United (H)
GW32: Nottingham Forest (A)
GW33: Leeds United (A)
May
GW34: Chelsea (H)
GW35: Manchester City (A)
GW36: Brentford (H)
GW37: Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
GW38: Bournemouth (H)
🚨 BREAKING: RB Leipzig turn down €100m proposal received from Liverpool for Yan Diomandé.
RB Leipzig want more than €100m as still try to keep him — understand €120m could be the way… for now, based on WC performances too.
Leipzig expect PSG and more clubs to join the race.
€90m plus €10m from Liverpool not enough, as @philipphinze24 reported.
Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Muñoz.
Optimism remains on Yan Diomande, but due to competition with PSG, and Leipzig's asking price, there are other targets.
Understand pace is the key criteria.
Also on the list are Köln's Said El Mala, Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Lille's Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
All options in case Diomande doesn't arrive.
Bradley Barcola another player Liverpool have looked at this summer.🔴
📊 If you're wondering why Liverpool are willing to invest €40m in Victor Muñoz, this breakdown should be well worth your time.
Elite ball carrying, high volume dribbling, major attacking responsibility, and a profile that fits exactly what Liverpool have been targeting.
Read on my Substack now, please subscribe to support my work 👇
https://t.co/BqovOjRnM9
🚨💣 Víctor Muñoz to Liverpool, it’s all formally sealed as Spanish winger has signed his contract with #LFC valid until June 2032.
Hijack completed for €40m fee.
The exclusive story from last night, 100% confirmed.
Bayern legend Lahm chose Wirtz as Germany's best player
“Wirtz dared to take the step from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, to Liverpool. He has had a difficult season, but I think his abilities are exceptional. I’m happy about that and I wish him a successful World Cup.”