It’s all change at Anfield this summer and not just in the technical area, with Liverpool now pushing ahead with plans to welcome a big-money star.
Liverpool sack Slot as Romano reveals favoured candidate
Just when it looked like Arne Slot had survived the poor results, the Mohamed Salah swipes and the Anfield boos, Liverpool have dropped a bombshell. The Reds have parted ways with the Dutchman after just two seasons, one of which included a Premier League title.
It’s shocking news, but Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards had seen enough. Now that they’re back at the drawing board, it looks as though Andoni Iraola is the favourite to complete a move.
Romano revealed that the former Bournemouth boss, who is currently a free agent, is the preferred candidate at this stage and that should hardly come as a surprise.
The Spaniard was hired by Hughes at Bournemouth and has since transformed the Cherries into a European side. Whilst Liverpool looked dull under Slot, his South Coast side were electric all season long.
Wirtz will love him: Liverpool hold talks to hire “elite” Slot replacement
Liverpool need to get more out of their £116m playmaker next season.
What is particularly important to point out is how Iraola got the best out of his wingers at Bournemouth. First it was Antoine Semenyo, who later joined Manchester City. Then, it was young Rayan. Next, it could be Yan Diomande at Anfield.
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are negotiating personal terms with Diomande and the RB Leipzig wants to join them instead of Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
It’s not a deal that will come cheap. Reports are indicating that potential suitors will have to splash out around £86m to sign the winger, but he could be worth every penny if Liverpool also land Iraola. They would simply be the perfect match.
“Unbelievable” Diomande would be perfect for Iraola
Iraola operates with an intense style centred around high-pressing and turnovers. It requires one of the fittest squads in the league and it requires direct, quick wingers. That is exactly what Liverpool’s current options are not, but exactly what Diomande is.
Dubbed “unbelievable” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Leipzig star would transform the Reds’ frontline in the next campaign under a manager who prioritises aggression.
|
League stats P90 25/26 |
Diomande |
Semenyo |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,476 |
3,200 |
|
Goals |
0.44 |
0.48 |
|
Assists |
0.29 |
0.11 |
|
Dribbles |
4.79 |
1.66 |
|
Dribble success |
59.9% |
44.1% |
Even Semenyo cannot offer the same directness as Diomande. And what makes the 19-year-old all the more promising is that he’s added goals and assists to his game this season.
There was a concern that he could become another struggling winger under Slot. The game has now changed with Iraola in Liverpool’s sites.
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