Anfield will prepare this summer for a new era with the ex-Bournemouth boss at the helm, following Arne Slot’s sacking.
Liverpool have chosen Andoni Iraola as the man to lead them forward, and his appointment has provided loanee Harvey Elliott with a major boost ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Spaniard, currently short on attacking depth, would surely have looked to the Englishman regardless, but his recent comments have amplified that possibility.
Andoni Iraola reveals opinion on Liverpool squad
The ex-Cherries man has inherited a squad still largely composed of its Premier League title-winning players from the 2024/25 season, however, the departures of icons Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah pose a significant issue.
Particularly the latter, whose attacking prowess may be the greatest of any individual in Premier League history, causing problems for the Reds’ offense.
Harvey Elliott, who embarked on loan to Aston Villa for the 2025/26 campaign, will return to Liverpool this summer, and Iraola’s self-confessed verdict on his squad paints a positive picture for the 23-year-old.
Speaking in his first interview as Reds boss, the Spaniard said: “"We've analysed Liverpool a lot. Possible weaknesses, the strengths… I think we have a very good squad, [but] there is still work to do.
"For me, and I will tell them, [they] are all new signings. For me, you are all new signings and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and [I'm] really looking forward to working with them,” continued the Basque manager.
For Elliott, this comment on all Liverpool players being akin to new signings will stick in his mind for the entire summer ahead of the Reds’ upcoming season.
After enduring a demoralising individual season with Aston Villa on loan, despite Europa League glory, the 23-year-old will surely play a part in Liverpool’s attacking depth next season, particularly with the extended loss of Hugo Ekitike to injury.
Elliott played little over 500 minutes under Unai Emery last season, scoring just one goal in 11 appearances — a stark drop-off from his 2000+ minutes played under Jurgen Klopp in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.
Arne Slot, who led Liverpool last season to one of the lowest points tallies capable of achieving Champions League qualification ever, did not place much faith in the Englishman.
Elliott played just 867 minutes in the 2024/25 season, signalling a possible end to his Reds career, with the Dutchman’s tenure previously sowing seeds of doubt for his Anfield future.
