Liverpool remain something of an enigma in the post-Jürgen Klopp era. His successor, Arne Slot, unexpectedly delivered the Premier League title in his first season in charge, only to see the wheels fall off in a massive second-season flop — despite hundreds of millions of dollars invested in strengthening the squad.
Slot has now been supplanted by former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola. Talisman winger Mohamed Salah has departed the club (yet to be replaced) and the squad is unbalanced. Adding to the drama at the boardroom level, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is part of an investment consortium currently closing in on a deal to purchase a 30% minority stake in the club.
This season really could go either way.
High-Octane Ambition: The Iraola Blueprint
Iraola has been brought in to restore a version of Klopp’s ‘Heavy Metal’ football to a Liverpool side that looked far too passive last term. The Spaniard demands an aggressive, front-footed style that asks a lot of his players physically.
However, history suggests patience will be required. It took Iraola ten games to record his first win at Bournemouth as the squad adjusted to his methods after being appointed in 2023. At Anfield, the pressure will be greater; if he is winless after nine games, he is unlikely to be there for the tenth.
Pre-season has shown flashes of this new philosophy, but the players have struggled to sustain the high-octane approach for 90 minutes. Against Leeds and AS Monaco, Liverpool surged into comfortable leads but eventually collapsed to lose 4-2 and 3-2 respectively. Iraola was candid about these fitness concerns, stating: “We cannot sustain the level we want for all of the game… right now we probably don’t have much more in terms of the levels required to play like this.”
However, when it clicks the football can be sensational. Bournemouth beat both Liverpool and Arsenal on their way to finishing sixth in the Premeir League last season – just three points below Slot’s Reds.
Tactical Tweaks: Wirtz and Szoboszlai
Iraola likes utilize a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 shape that prioritizes direct attacking over slow possession.
A major beneficiary of this shift appears to be Dominik Szoboszlai. After being wasted in Liverpool’s problematic right-back slot last season, the Hungarian has excelled in a double-pivot during pre-season. His aggression in the press, recovery speed, and technical excellence moving forward make him the engine of this new system.
Further forward, Iraola has clarified his plans for Florian Wirtz. Unlike Slot, who occasionally used the German on the left during a difficult debut season, Iraola sees Wirtz as a number 10. The early signs are promising; Wirtz has looked sharp, scoring twice in pre-season and developing a quick understanding with striker Alexander Isak.
The $160 Million Question Mark
The success of the season likely hinges on Alexander Isak. The Swede joined Liverpool in a massive $160 million deal from Newcastle United in September 2025, but a fractured ankle saw him sidelined or struggling for fitness for the majority of the year.
Having scored 23 and 21 goals respectively in his final two seasons at St James’ Park, Isak is the elite finisher Liverpool need. While he looks fit and firing now, the depth behind him is a major concern. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined until 2027 with a ruptured Achilles, there is no top-level replacement for Isak, whose injury history remains checkered.
Life After Mohamed Salah
For the first time in nearly a decade, Liverpool head into a season without Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian King scored 257 goals for the Reds but has taken his shooting boots to Turkish side Trabzonspor, leaving a massive void on the right wing.
While the club is in talks with PSG over a move for France winger Bradley Barcola, a gap in valuation remains. Consequently, it looks likely that last season’s breakthrough youngster, Rio Ngumoha, will start the season opener on the right flank against Newcastle United on August 23.
Defensively, the squad is also in flux. With Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate gone, and Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni, and new signing Jeremy Jacquet all struggling for fitness, the backline looks thin.
To alleviate the crisis, Iraola has secured Ronald Araújo on loan from Barcelona. Despite only arriving this week, the 27-year-old Uruguayan is expected to start alongside Virgil van Dijk at St James’ Park.
Araújo, 27, has made over 200 appearances for Barcelona and won three La Liga titles but the Uruguay international did struggle last season and has reportedly agreed to a paycut to get first team football.
Breakthrough Star: Trey Nyoni
If Rio Ngumoha was last year’s find, then 19-year-old Trey Nyoni is the youngster to watch this season.
Nyoni has been a mainstay of the summer friendlies, imposing himself in the double-pivot alongside Szoboszlai. Physically strong and always looking to pass forward, he seems to have bridged the gap between the U21s and the senior squad. With Alexis Mac Allister still recovering from his World Cup exploits with Argentina, Nyoni is in line to start the opening game ahead of Ryan Gravenberch.
How Liverpool could line up vs Newcastle:
Liverpool Summer Transfers in:
Victor Munoz (LW) – Osasuna, $44 million
Jeremy Jacquet (CB) – Rennes, $77 million
Ronald Araujo (CB) – Barcelona, Loan
Defining Success: What Does 2026/27 Look Like?
The word “transition” has been a common refrain among the Anfield faithful this summer. There is a general acceptance that it will take time for Iraola to fully implement his style and plug the gaps in the squad.
However, goodwill isn’t infinite. For the Iraola era to be viewed as a success, there must be tangible progress in both the team’s identity and their league standing. While the fans are willing to be patient, they will still demand a level of consistency that was sorely lacking last term.
Ultimately, a return to the Champions League via a top-four finish, paired with a piece of silverware, would satisfy the boardroom and keep the supporters on side for the ‘project’.
