Regardless of who assumes control at Liverpool next season, there’s little doubt the Reds’ midfield will experience a significant overhaul. Far too frequently this season under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s engine room was circumvented and sliced through with alarming ease.
Its members became mere spectators, displaying exhaustion or perhaps even a hint of apathy. The overhaul will be uncompromising and revolve around fresh concepts and new recruits, now that Slot has vacated his role.
His successor appears to be Andoni Iraola. The 43-year-old Basque manager could implement, as his Bournemouth tenure indicates, a 4-2-3-1 formation. He favours intensity and relentless pressing without the ball and being extremely direct when in possession.
Firstly, Liverpool must bring in a holding midfielder. It’s quite simply a position they’ve neglected to properly address since Fabinho left Anfield in July 2023. Much of Jurgen Klopp’s achievements were founded upon the lanky yet powerful legs of the Brazilian, who could extinguish threats before they materialised.
While Ryan Gravenberch thrived under Slot in the 2024/2025 championship-winning campaign in the No. 6 position, the Dutch international faltered this season and was frequently left vulnerable as the Reds’ starting XI remained predominantly unsettled.
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There has been speculation surrounding a potential move for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, with the England international rumoured to be valued at around £100m. Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni is even reportedly under consideration, though he too would require a substantial outlay in both transfer fees and wages.
Iraola ought to once again place his trust in Alex Scott, his former charge at Bournemouth. Scott would undoubtedly command a hefty fee, with Bournemouth said to be keen on retaining the midfielder for at least another season.
However, at 22, the nimble and progressive Scott would represent an improvement on Alexis Mac Allister, who has appeared below par for some time and could be demoted to the bench.
View 4 ImagesAlex Scott has been hugely impressive for Bournemouth(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
A double pivot featuring Scott and Gravenberch could provide Iraola’s attacking options with the space and time to wreak havoc. That said, Liverpool would face competition from the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, suggesting they may need to act swiftly.
In the Reds’ revamped midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai can at last leave his spell at right-back behind and flourish in an advanced position ahead of Gravenberch and Scott.
Liverpool’s No. 8 is lethal from distance and possesses the athleticism to recover possession high up the pitch, two qualities that were perhaps overlooked during his time as Slot’s utility player this campaign.
Florian Wirtz will also stake his claim to become Liverpool’s permanent No.10, with the freedom to drift out towards the left flank. Last summer’s £116m acquisition has offered flashes of his undeniable ability, but far too often he’s appeared ill at ease and marginalised, even when positioned wide on the left.
View 4 ImagesFlorian Wirtz has found his ideal position for Germany and must follow suit at Liverpool(Image: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
However, the 23-year-old shone for Germany against Finland in a World Cup warm-up on Sunday evening, finding the net and dictating play from the left, with permission to move centrally, in a 4-2-3-1 formation. It’ll undoubtedly be music to Iraola’s ears, as he will grant the German complete freedom to slide balls through for the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.
There’s been considerable speculation about Curtis Jones departing Liverpool this summer. The 25-year-old is among the more undervalued players in the Premier League when it comes to carrying the ball forward, and Iraola should ensure the local lad in the squad remains, even if Jones does face competition for a starting berth in his XI.
Retaining Jones will likely mean Wataru Endo’s departure. While the Japanese international returned to duty for his nation on Sunday following an extended injury absence, Endo’s cult following at Anfield is arguably insufficient to warrant a place in Iraola’s midfield.
View 4 ImagesHarvey Elliott barely played for Aston Villa during his loan spell(Image: Nigel French/Getty Images)
Replacing Endo may well require recruiting another defensively-minded player. Monaco’s Lamine Camara, 22, would be a perfect match, displaying many of the characteristics of former Monaco and Liverpool star Fabinho.
Newcastle are also interested, while his price tag could stretch Liverpool’s financial resources, though Camara would need to prove himself worthy of a starting berth in a double pivot.
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That leaves Harvey Elliott. The lifelong Liverpool supporter flourished under Klopp but was sent out on loan under Slot to Aston Villa, where he struggled for game time. Comfortable on the right and centrally, Elliott has netted 15 goals in 149 appearances for the Reds thus far, and could provide unpredictability as a squad option for Liverpool’s new manager.
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