Andoni Iraola’s dream Liverpool midfield with £60m transfer and Wirtz unlocked | Football | Sport

No matter who takes charge at Liverpool next season, there’s little doubt the Reds’ midfield will require a significant overhaul. Far too frequently this season, under Arne Slot, their engine room was circumvented and exposed with alarming ease. Its members appeared as spectators, displaying signs of exhaustion or perhaps even a hint of apathy. The overhaul will be uncompromising and revolve around fresh concepts and new signings, now that Slot has vacated his role.

His successor appears to be Andoni Iraola, who would likely implement his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. He likes intensity, relentless pressing without the ball and a very direct approach when in possession. Firstly, Liverpool must recruit a holding midfielder. It’s quite simply a position they’ve neglected to properly address since Fabinho left Anfield three years ago.

Much of Jurgen Klopp‘s achievements were founded upon the lanky yet robust frame of the Brazilian, who could eliminate threats before they materialised.

While Ryan Gravenberch flourished in the 2024/25 title-winning campaign, the Dutch star faltered this season and was frequently left vulnerable as the Reds’ starting XI remained predominantly unsettled.

Speculation has been rife regarding a potential swoop for Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, with the England international reportedly valued at around £100million.

Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has also been mentioned as a possible target, though he too would require an enormous outlay in both transfer fees and wages.

Iraola should place his trust in Alex Scott, his former charge at Bournemouth. Scott would undoubtedly command a hefty fee, with the Cherries reportedly keen to retain the midfielder for at least another year.

Yet at 22, the dynamic and progressive Scott would represent an improvement on Alexis Mac Allister, who has appeared below his best for some time and could be forced to battle for his position or even offloaded.

A double pivot of Scott and Gravenberch could afford Iraola’s attacking players the time and space to cause maximum destruction. That said, Liverpool would face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, suggesting they may need to act swiftly.

Within the Reds’ revamped midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai can finally consign his days at right-back to history and showcase his abilities in an advanced position ahead of Gravenberch and Scott.

He is a lethal threat from distance and has the energy to press high up the pitch, two qualities that were somewhat overlooked during his spell as Slot’s versatile utility man this season.

Florian Wirtz will also stake his claim to become Liverpool’s permanent creator, with the freedom to drift out to the left flank.

He has flashed glimpses of his undeniable talent, but all too frequently he has looked ill at ease and peripheral to the action, even when deployed wide on the left.

Yet the 23-year-old shone for Germany against Finland in a World Cup warm-up on Sunday evening, scoring and pulling the strings from the left, with a licence to drift centrally, in a 4-2-3-1.

It will undoubtedly be welcome news for Iraola, who will hand the German the freedom to thread balls in behind the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

Meanwhile, there has been considerable speculation surrounding Curtis Jones departing Liverpool this summer.

He is amongst the more underappreciated players in the Premier League when it comes to driving forward with the ball, and Iraola would be wise to ensure the homegrown talent remains at the club, even if Jones must battle for a place in his starting XI.

Retaining Jones would likely signal the end of Wataru Endo’s time at Anfield. While he returned to action for his country on Sunday following a lengthy injury absence, Endo’s cult hero status at Anfield is arguably insufficient to warrant a berth in Iraola’s midfield.

Replacing Endo could well involve recruiting another defensively-minded midfielder. Monaco ace Lamine Camara, 22, appears an ideal candidate, displaying many of the attributes reminiscent of former Monaco and Liverpool stalwart Fabinho.

Newcastle are also in contention for his signature, while his transfer fee could place considerable strain on the Anfield coffers, though Camara would need to earn his place in a double pivot.

That brings us to Harvey Elliott. The lifelong Liverpool supporter flourished under Klopp but was shipped out on loan under Slot to Aston Villa, where he struggled to see regular action.

Equally comfortable on the right and in the centre of midfield, Elliott has contributed 15 goals in 149 appearances for the Reds to date, and could provide an element of unpredictability as a squad option for Liverpool’s new manager.