Liverpool Transfer News: Major Signings and Departures as Iraola Era Begins at Anfield

Liverpool are undergoing a significant squad rebuild as the Andoni Iraola era officially begins at Anfield following Arne Slot's departure. The club have already secured two major signings in French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet for £60m and Spanish winger Victor Munoz for £34.5m, with further reinforcements being pursued. However, the summer window is also marked by high-profile departures including Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and Andy Robertson, while sporting director Richard Hughes is reportedly set to leave for Saudi Arabia.

03.07.2026 - 16:22

Updated: 2 months ago

0 7

Liverpool Transfer News: Major Signings and Departures as Iraola Era Begins at Anfield

Liverpool are navigating a critical summer transfer window as the club transitions into a new era under head coach Andoni Iraola. The Spaniard arrived at Anfield following the departure of Arne Slot, who had taken the club to fifth place in the Premier League but failed to reach the semi-finals of any cup competition in the 2025-26 season. Iraola, who previously impressed at Bournemouth, has been tasked with rebuilding a squad that has lost several key players and restoring the intensity that marked Liverpool's recent successes.

The appointment represents a significant shift in approach. Iraola was a specific choice of sporting director Richard Hughes, who had previously worked with him on the south coast and believes his philosophy is the perfect fit for the post-Slot era. The new manager faces a substantial challenge ahead, with the squad requiring significant investment across multiple positions after a season where Liverpool appeared mentally and physically fragile for much of the campaign.

Official Signings: Jacquet and Munoz Confirmed

Jeremy Jacquet Completes £60m Move

Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes in a deal worth up to £60 million. The 20-year-old French centre-back has signed a five-year contract with the option of a further year, finally formalising a deal that was initially agreed during the January transfer window. The transfer consists of a fixed fee of £55 million with a potential £5 million in performance-related add-ons.

The defender's move to Anfield has been long-anticipated, with Liverpool beating stiff competition from several European clubs to secure his signature. Chelsea had reportedly offered exactly the same deal as Liverpool, but the player chose to move to Anfield instead. Jacquet has explained his decision, noting that while Chelsea appeared to have significant competition for places, Liverpool offered a clearer path to first-team football alongside the opportunity to learn from Virgil van Dijk.

Jeremy Jacquet expressed his delight at joining Liverpool, stating: "A club like Liverpool represents a big dream for me. I'm very happy. When I see the facilities, I can see myself here. I feel good here and I am very excited to get started."

The Frenchman, who has been capped at U-21 level, came through Rennes' youth academy and made 33 appearances for their first team, with 21 of those coming during the 2025-26 season. He also gained valuable experience during a loan spell with Clermont Foot, where he made 24 appearances. Although his season was cut short by a shoulder injury in February, Jacquet has now completed his rehabilitation and is expected to be available for the start of pre-season training.

Victor Munoz: The £34.5m Hijack

Liverpool have also completed the signing of Osasuna winger Victor Munoz for £34.5 million, triggering his release clause and effectively hijacking Newcastle United's attempts to sign the Spain international. The 22-year-old, currently representing Spain at the World Cup, completed a medical in the United States and is set to sign a six-year contract at Anfield, with Liverpool paying the transfer fee in two instalments.

The signing represents a significant coup for Liverpool, who have had a long-term interest in Munoz. The deal was accelerated by the arrival of Andoni Iraola, who knows the player well from his extensive knowledge of La Liga. Munoz came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy before moving to Real Madrid's youth team, where he made his La Liga debut under Carlo Ancelotti in May 2025.

His versatility is a key factor in Liverpool's interest. Munoz can play on both wings and through the middle, providing Iraola with flexible attacking options. The 22-year-old will add pace and directness to Liverpool's attack, attributes that were identified as priorities for the summer window. He scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances for Osasuna last season.

Other Incoming Deals

The arrivals of Jacquet and Munoz are not the only additions to the Liverpool squad this summer. Sporting director Richard Hughes has also been active in the market, with the club securing the signings of Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, as well as confirming that Cherries coaches Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper will join Iraola's backroom team at Anfield.

Transfer Targets: Who Liverpool Are Chasing

Yan Diomande Pursuit Reaches Impasse

Liverpool's primary target to replace Mohamed Salah is RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, a 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger who has drawn comparisons to Sadio Mane. The Reds have submitted offers for the teenager, with an initial proposal of £87 million being rejected by the Bundesliga club. German sources indicate that Leipzig want more than €100 million for the player, and potentially as much as €120 million (£104 million), depending on his World Cup performances.

However, Liverpool face significant competition for Diomande's signature. Paris Saint-Germain are among the most serious suitors, and reports suggest the player may have decided he wants to move to the French capital. With Diomande's World Cup involvement now concluded, his future is expected to be resolved soon.

Adam Wharton and Crystal Palace Talks

Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Crystal Palace, with a meeting scheduled to discuss potential transfer dealings between the clubs. Reports suggest that Adam Wharton, the highly-rated midfielder who was unlucky to miss out on England's World Cup squad, could be among the players under discussion. Other Palace players who could be of interest include centre-back Maxence Lacroix and right-back Daniel Munoz.

Bradley Barcola Interest

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola has also been linked with a move to Anfield. Reports indicate that PSG could be willing to sell the Frenchman if a substantial offer is made, with Liverpool described as "very keen" on the player. However, the asking price could be prohibitive, with suggestions that PSG would be looking for more than the £116 million Manchester City are set to pay for Elliot Anderson.

Other Linked Players

Liverpool have also been linked with a number of other players, including World Cup wonderkid Gilberto Mora. The 17-year-old Mexican winger impressed at the World Cup, becoming the second youngest player to start a knockout match, and Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs monitoring him.

Additionally, Northern Irish striker Michael Mulholland, who scored 256 goals in a single youth campaign, is due to join Liverpool in a deal that will become active in 2027.

Outgoings and Contract Situations

High-Profile Departures

The summer transfer window has also seen several high-profile exits from Anfield. Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate have all departed, creating substantial voids within the squad that Liverpool are now working to fill. Real Madrid confirmed the signing of Ibrahima Konate, who joined the Spanish giants on June 30 when his Liverpool contract expired.

Virgil van Dijk Speculation

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been linked with a move to AC Milan, with reports suggesting the Italian club have identified him as a "dream" signing. However, given Liverpool have already lost Konate and only have a young defensive core remaining, it appears highly unlikely the club would consider selling their captain this summer.

Curtis Jones Transfer Doubt

Curtis Jones, who is entering the final year of his contract, has been the subject of interest from Inter Milan. However, the Italian club's sporting director Piero Ausilio has admitted that a deal would be "very difficult" due to a "big gap" in valuations. Inter have submitted bids of £17.3 million and £21.7 million, but Liverpool now value Jones at closer to £40 million amid interest from Nottingham Forest.

Richard Hughes Set for Saudi Move

Sporting director Richard Hughes is reportedly set to leave Liverpool for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. The 47-year-old, who still has a contract with Liverpool until June 2027, is expected to join his former Bournemouth colleague Simon Francis in Riyadh. Al-Hilal have been operating on the assumption that Hughes will eventually join their project, and preparations for his departure are already advanced.

Despite the speculation, Hughes remains fully committed to his duties at Liverpool for the time being, leading the club's summer recruitment drive to support the new Iraola era. His passing will represent a significant transition period for the club, with Fenway Sports Group beginning the search for a successor.

Squad Analysis: The Rebuild Underway

Defensive Restructuring

With the departure of Ibrahima Konate and speculation surrounding Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's defence is undergoing a significant restructure. The arrival of Jeremy Jacquet for £60m represents a major investment in the future, with the Frenchman expected to form a long-term partnership alongside fellow youngster Geovanni Leoni, who is currently returning from a long-term ACL injury.

Attacking Reinforcements

The departure of Mohamed Salah has necessitated a major overhaul of Liverpool's attack. The club have already brought in Victor Munoz as a versatile option, and they are expected to continue pursuing a right winger with Yan Diomande being the top target. The addition of younger, more dynamic wide players is seen as crucial to restoring pace and intensity to Liverpool's forward line.

Midfield Planning

The midfield situation remains complex, with uncertainty surrounding Curtis Jones' future. Andoni Iraola already has a strong core of midfield options including Florian Wirtz, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister, but further additions could be made depending on outgoings.

The Youth Pipeline

Liverpool have also been active in securing young talent for the future, with deals lined up for 16-year-old Celtic centre-back Dara Jikiemi and 17-year-old Atletico Nacional attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez. While these players are not expected to make an immediate impact, they represent the club's continued commitment to developing talent for the long term.