The Bournemouth players Liverpool ought to target should they appoint Andoni Iraola

The Bournemouth players Liverpool ought to target should they appoint Andoni Iraola
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Iraola is the clear frontrunner to take over from Arne Slot after Liverpool's daring decision to dismiss the Dutchman.

Liverpool's owners expressed gratitude to Slot for his two years of service at the club on Merseyside, a period that saw them win the Premier League in his debut season.

Ending the 2025/26 campaign in fifth place attracted significant criticism of Slot's time in charge, leaving Liverpool supporters divided over whether he should remain this summer, especially as club icons Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson depart as free agents.

Although they seemed prepared to back the former Feyenoord manager, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have now changed course, with attention shifting towards finding a successor for Slot.

Iraola's remarkable ascent at Bournemouth, which includes guiding the Cherries to their first European qualification, has drawn interest from clubs all over Europe, and Liverpool must act swiftly to sign the Spaniard.

Should the former Rayo Vallecano manager choose to relocate to Merseyside, a number of his Bournemouth players might be ideal acquisitions to make alongside him, not least teenage star Junior Kroupi.

The France U21 international had an outstanding first season under Iraola, scoring 13 Premier League goals, making him the highest-scoring teenager in a debut campaign in Premier League history.

Kroupi remains under contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2030, but his estimated transfer fee is around £45m, a sum that could be within Liverpool's reach after Salah's departure.

Rayan is also mentioned as a potential target, but Bournemouth are more reluctant to offload the Brazilian, making Alex Scott and Marcos Senesi more realistic options for Iraola.

Bournemouth have yet to make headway in extending Scott's existing deal beyond 2028, and having played in 37 of the club's 38 Premier League matches last term, he is evidently well regarded by Iraola.

Scott would still certainly demand a significant transfer fee, but Senesi is available on a free transfer after his contract expired, though Liverpool would need to act promptly as a move to Tottenham is reportedly close to being finalised.