Liverpool face Newcastle on the opening day of the 2026/2027 Premier League season, with all eyes firmly fixed on Andoni Iraola’s first starting line-up. Given the Reds’ substantial spending spree last summer, the Basque boss may need to tighten the purse strings somewhat when it comes to recruitment this summer.
Liverpool will head to the North East to face Eddie Howe’s side on Sunday, August 23. The transfer window, however, remains open until Tuesday, September 1, meaning the starting XI Iraola fields on the opening weekend may differ from the one he ultimately takes into the campaign.
Liverpool have already secured the signing of Spanish international Victor Munoz for £34.5million, with further arrivals anticipated. With that in mind, Mirror Football examines what the Spanish boss’s first competitive starting line-up for the Reds could look like.
Alisson, 33, is expected to leave when his contract runs out next season, but he will occupy the goalkeeper’s spot for one final campaign under Iraola. The back four, however, could look considerably different.
Giovanni Leoni, 19, who arrived from Parma last summer for £26m, will be pushing for a starting berth as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
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Yet it is French centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, purchased from Rennes in January for £60m, who will partner captain Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of the defence. At right-back, Conor Bradley, 22, merits an opportunity to demonstrate his qualities upon his return from an extended absence.
In the interim, however, the Reds could move for someone like Porto’s Alberto Costa, who would provide strong competition to Jeremie Frimpong. The 22-year-old has caught the eye with numerous assists and isn’t shy about putting in the hard graft.
View 4 ImagesJeremy Jacquet agreed to join Liverpool during the January transfer window(Image: Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
His affordable price tag of approximately £25m may also attract Iraola. On the opposite flank, Milos Kerkez will slot in at left-back and can only gain from reuniting with Iraola after their spell together at Bournemouth.
While the Reds have been connected with players such as Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson, Iraola has a perfect No. 6 already at the club in the form of Ryan Gravenberch.
While he endured a difficult season this year, several Reds stars did too, with the Dutchman currently reminding everyone of his ability at the World Cup. Gravenberch will operate alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, who will enjoy the freedom to roam.
View 4 ImagesIraola will have to figure out how he can get the best out of Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai(Image: Getty Images)
Alexis Mac Allister, should he remain this season, ought to accept a spot on the bench. The Reds’ midfield might be transformed in the coming months, but with minimal time between the World Cup conclusion and the opening weekend of the Premier League, Iraola will require a working midfield that understands each other well.
Up front speaks for itself. The lethal partnership of Hugo Ekitke and Alexander Isak is yet to truly click, hampered by injuries, and won’t get the chance to flourish until the former completes his recovery from a ruptured achilles.
View 4 ImagesYan Diomande of Cote d’Ivoire during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Cote D’Ivoire and Ecuador at Philadelphia Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Philadelphia, United States(Image: Getty)
That leaves Isak with the responsibility of justifying his £125m price tag by leading the attack for the Reds. Flanking him will be Yan Diomande, expected to cost around £85m from RB Leipzig, alongside Munoz.
Liverpool desperately lacked width and pace on the wings this season and, with Mohamed Salah’s departure, both Diomande and Munoz will offer Iraola a dynamism and versatility in attack that Anfield has not witnessed for quite some time.
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Liverpool’s possible XI on Premier League opening day: Alisson, Kerkez, Van Dijk, Jacquet, Costa; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Diomande, Munoz, Isak.
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