Andoni Iraola’s tenure at Liverpool officially gets under way today against Sunderland in Tennessee — but the new manager begins with only two new signings and no replacement for Mohamed Salah.
The Reds’ winter deal for Jeremy Jacquet became official this month, while Spanish World Cup winner Victor Munoz, 23, was signed during the summer tournament. However, Munoz has been given an extended break and will not join the US tour; he will meet his teammates back on Merseyside in August. The squad remains short in defence, and the club has yet to bring in a winger to fill Salah’s shoes.
“Andoni Iraola begins Liverpool reign with only two signings and no Salah replacement as PSG lead chase for target Akliouche.”
Monaco and France star Maghnes Akliouche has been touted as a target, according to Sky Sports, but Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race. Fabrizio Romano has claimed the 24-year-old wants to join the French champions, with personal terms already agreed. He cautioned fans, however, that the move is not a done deal as negotiations between the clubs are not completed.
Iraola has confirmed Pablo de la Torre as his No 2, bringing his fellow Spaniard, along with Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper, to Merseyside last month. De la Torre has worked with Iraola since their Rayo Vallecano days and was previously the fitness coach at the La Liga side and Bournemouth. "For me, it was important they came with me," Iraola said during Liverpool's pre-season tour of Chicago. "Pablo is a physical coach but has been with me almost all the years I have been coaching. So for me, he is much more than a physical coach, really. He is an assistant and we know each other very well."
The friendly in Tennessee marks the start of a new chapter for Liverpool, but Iraola’s squad is far from complete — and the race to replace Salah is far from over.