New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola could bring three Bournemouth players with him from the South Coast. The 43 year old has signed a two year deal with the Reds.
Having steered the Cherries into European football for the first time in their history with a sixth place Premier League finish, Iraola was handpicked to succeed Arne Slot. The Dutch manager finished just three points ahead of Bournemouth this season and failed to win a trophy, having lifted the league title in his first campaign.
Now Liverpool will press ahead with Iraola at the helm. His influence could be felt in the transfer market straight away if he persuades some of his standout Bournemouth players to make the move to Anfield.
Here are three Cherries stars the new boss could pluck from his old club.
Marcos Senesi (Free transfer)
The most obvious and immediate target Iraola could try to lure to Liverpool is Argentine centre back Marcos Senesi. The 29 year old was instrumental in Bournemouth’s achievements this season and has established himself as one of the finest ball playing defenders in the division.
Earlier in the campaign, Senesi confirmed he would be departing the Vitality Stadium at the end of the season. The club have already said their goodbyes. It is widely expected he will put pen to paper at Tottenham once the transfer window opens.
However, Liverpool could benefit from additional defensive reinforcements following the loss of Ibrahima Konate. They were reportedly linked with Senesi last month. Iraola might present an enticing proposition to his former charge and coax him to Anfield on a free transfer.
Rayan (£87m release clause)
Bournemouth have maintained their strategy of recruiting young, developing prospects and transforming them into emerging superstars. Brazilian forward Rayan represents the latest addition to this production line.
The 19 year old only arrived at the Cherries in January for an initial £24.7m from Vasco da Gama. Yet after netting five goals in merely 15 top flight appearances, the teenager looks a genuine talent and has already earned a call up to the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Iraola developed Rayan into a Premier League quality player within months. He may look to bring him to Liverpool, where he’d feature on the right wing in Mohamed Salah’s absence.
However, the price tag could pose a problem. talkSPORT reports that Bournemouth included an £87m release clause in the player’s deal, though it only takes effect next summer. Consequently, the transfer may need to be delayed until then, as any move this year could prove prohibitively expensive.
Tyler Adams (Contract until 2028)
Bournemouth boast an assortment of other quality, including Alex Scott and Junior Kroupi, both of whom would be received enthusiastically at Liverpool. But Tyler Adams has been equally vital to the Cherries’ achievements and arguably strengthens an area where the Reds require enhancement.
Ryan Gravenberch is the preferred holding midfield choice. Alexis Mac Allister can function in a deeper role to some extent. Wataru Endo is the most defensively focused midfielder in the present squad, though he may leave this summer.
Adams delivers outstanding physicality to the midfield through his tackling and ball recovery, alongside tireless energy levels. He would prove invaluable to a squad like Liverpool’s. He is 27 and his contract runs until 2028, meaning he wouldn’t command an excessive fee. Adams would ultimately provide the Reds with another reliable option in a position where they could soon be short of cover.
The bottom line
Senesi on a free. Rayan for £87m next summer. Adams for a reasonable fee now.
Three Bournemouth stars. Three different price points. Three potential upgrades for Liverpool.
Iraola knows them. Trusts them. Built a European chasing team around them.
Now he’s at Anfield. And the temptation to bring some of his old guard with him must be overwhelming.
Senesi is the low hanging fruit. Adams is the sensible signing. Rayan is the statement.
Whether Liverpool’s board agree and whether the players follow their old boss to Merseyside, is another question entirely. But the links are there. And they won’t go away.
