Iraola outlines Liverpool’s transfer plans, backs Alisson and hails Szoboszlai’s leadership
By Joel Masibo, July 22, 2026Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has stressed the importance of a productive pre-season as he continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, while also providing updates on transfers, Alisson Becker’s future, Dominik Szoboszlai’s new contract and the club’s search for a new vice-captain.
Speaking during a press conference in Chicago after Liverpool arrived in the United States for their pre-season tour, Iraola described the coming weeks as crucial, particularly as he begins his first season in charge at Anfield.
Preseason plans
The Spaniard said the club’s five friendly matches will play a vital role in helping his players adapt to his methods.
“I think the pre-season is always the foundation of what’s going to be a long season. But when you arrive to a new club it’s even more important because you don’t have a lot of training sessions, you don’t have a lot of even friendlies,” Iraola said on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
“We are playing five friendlies before the season starts, so every training session, every pre-season friendly for us is massive.”
He added that competitive practice in friendlies is the best preparation for the new campaign, saying the team wants to be fully ready for the opening league fixture.
On the transfer market, Iraola admitted Liverpool are still looking to strengthen their squad but refused to specify how many new signings they hope to make before the window closes.
The coach confirmed that signing a winger remains one of the club’s priorities.
“There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players. A winger, for example – we definitely need to sign a winger,” he said.
He explained that further business would depend on market opportunities, transfer fees and the recovery of injured players, noting that several positions still require careful assessment.
Becker’s future
Iraola also dismissed concerns over Alisson Becker’s future, insisting he is delighted with Liverpool’s goalkeeping department.
The Brazilian international, alongside Giorgi Mamardashvili and Freddie Woodman, provides the club with stability, while youngster Armin Pecsi is expected to gain experience elsewhere on loan.
The Liverpool boss also highlighted Alisson’s importance away from the pitch.
“Alisson is someone also in a changing room that has lost some references in terms of experience,” Iraola said.
“We need the references like Virgil [van Dijk], like Alisson, like Joe Gomez, players that have been here for a long time.”
Regarding the right-back position, Iraola acknowledged that injuries have left Liverpool short of defensive options.
He reiterated the club’s faith in Conor Bradley but admitted the Northern Ireland defender is still some way from returning to full fitness.
“If you have a fully fit, healthy Conor Bradley, we are very happy, ready to go,” he said.
“But right now he is still, I would say, a little bit far from returning.”
Szoboszlai’s new long-term contract
The Liverpool manager also welcomed Dominik Szoboszlai’s new long-term contract, describing it as one of the best developments since his arrival.
“I think this is one of the probably greatest news since I arrived, his commitment to this club, his contract renewal,” he said.
Iraola praised the Hungarian midfielder’s work ethic and attitude in training, saying he has already been setting the standard for younger teammates.
“And definitely he has to be one of our leaders looking forward,” he added.
On the vacant vice-captaincy, Iraola revealed no decision has been made because he has not yet met the entire squad.
He insisted leadership is not determined by wearing the captain’s armband.
“You don’t need to wear an armband to be a leader, to be a captain,” he said.
“We need more than one or two vice-captains, we need a lot of captains in the pitch, we need as many as we can.” He added.