Liverpool should use Andoni Iraola connection to make Alex Scott first signing
Anondi Iraola should make Alex Scott one of his first summer signings after he was unveiled as Liverpool’s new manager.
Iraola has agreed a two-year deal to takeover from Arne Slot at Anfield after the Dutchman was sacked after two seasons in charge.
After failing to come close to defending their Premier League title, and with key players departing, Iraola faces a rebuild of the squad this summer.
Scott has been a standout performer for Iraola at Bournemouth, and the 22-year-old has emerged as one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders, which also earned him an England call-up last November.
Liverpool may have to pay a hefty fee to sign Scott, but the lure of Champions League football and a chance to reunite with Iraola could be too much to turn down.
Liverpool could wreck Man United pursuit
In signing Scott, Iraola could harm rivals Manchester United’s transfer business, with the Red Devils interested in signing the midfielder.
Liverpool could also face competition from Chelsea, but the Reds are in the strongest financial position of those two clubs.
Midfielder Curtis Jones is closing in on a Liverpool exit, sources have told Football Insider, as he searches for more playing time, and that could open the door for Scott to join.
Speculation has also arisen over the futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, with the latter having been a star performer under Slot, creating a further opportunity for a new arrival in midfield.
Liverpool have Alex Scott back up plan
In case Iraola can not reunite with Scott at Anfield, Liverpool have been long-term admirers of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
It is another deal that would not be expected to come cheap, and there will again be plenty of competition to acquire the 22-year-old.
Without any further outgoings though, Iraola needs to prioritise signing a defender over a new midfielder and Ibrahima Konate’s departure left him short in numbers at the back.
Signing Scott though would be an early sign of intent from Iraola, and the Bournemouth star could help the Spaniard implement his style of play onto the Liverpool squad.