It hasn’t taken long for the first Bournemouth player to be tipped to follow Andoni Iraola to Liverpool. But on closer inspection, this link predates the arrival of the Spaniard.
Iraola was named as the new Liverpool head coach on Thursday, replacing the sacked Arne Slot. His appointment is reward for his superb work with Bournemouth over the past three seasons.
The Cherries have long been shrewd operators in the transfer market, but it’s what the 43 year old did with the players at his disposal and the style he got them playing, that attracted the Reds.
Scott the standout
One of the players who came on the most under Iraola was midfielder Alex Scott. Signed by Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes when he held the same position at Bournemouth, the 22 year old has grown into one of the Premier League’s top young talents following his £25m move from Bristol City in the summer of 2023.
So much so that Scott, along with Reds rising star Rio Ngumoha, was called up by England boss Thomas Tuchel for his pre World Cup training camp in America.
That has brought the Guernsey born midfielder to wider attention. TalkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said on the station this week that the “noise” is growing about Scott moving to Anfield.
“Yeah, that noise seems to be growing, and you can understand why because I think it was a problem last season for Liverpool, that midfield,” Crook said.
“(Ryan) Gravenberch and (Alexis) Mac Allister certainly weren’t on the same level, and Alex Scott is a player that Iraola knows well. I know Bournemouth are keen to tie him down to a new contract, but certainly one to watch.”
The £80m price tag
Crook later wrote: “Bournemouth value sought after midfielder Alex Scott at around £80m, and remain determined to keep him this summer.
“Scott is emerging as a target for Liverpool and fellow Premier League heavyweights Manchester United after a stellar season on the Dorset coast.
“However, Bournemouth sources have doubled down on their stance that ambitious owner Bill Foley does not want to cash in on the Channel Islander.
“The Cherries remain hopeful Scott will sign a new contract, potentially with an Antoine Semenyo style release clause.”
That new contract line was also relayed by Fabrizio Romano, who posted: “New contract proposal from Bournemouth to Alex Scott includes the possibility to include a release clause. Club did the same with (Dean) Huijsen, Rayan and more ready to replicate model with Scott if player accepts.”
Long term interest
While we’re at that time of year when speculation is rife, the Reds have long had Scott on their radar. It was reported back in April 2023 that Liverpool were one of a number of Premier League clubs keeping an eye on the then teenager.
The Reds went on to sign four midfielders that summer Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo. Scott joined Bournemouth for £25m.
But with question marks over the futures of Mac Allister and Endo, as well as Curtis Jones, midfield reinforcements could well be on Hughes’ and Iraola’s agenda. There are not many players they will know better than Scott.
Scott’s verdict on Iraola
Speaking while on England duty, Scott made his feelings for his former boss clear.
“He is obviously a great manager. You see what we have done as a club at Bournemouth and how we have progressed over the three seasons he was with us.
“I think the way we press out of possession is very aggressive, maybe similar to the early Klopp teams Liverpool had, that fierce aggressiveness and pressing with the wingers.
“I would say he is similar to that. Liverpool fans should definitely be so excited. He has done a lot for me personally.
“I have improved loads this season, out of possession and in possession. I feel like I have had his trust.
“The manager has been amazing for me, working with me going forward, defensively, being more aggressive, and that is the reason I played most games this season.”
The bottom line
Scott is valued at £80m. Bournemouth don’t want to sell. Liverpool have admired him since before Iraola arrived.
Now the manager who trusted him is at Anfield. The sporting director who signed him is at Anfield.
The stars are aligning. But the price tag is enormous. And Bournemouth are determined to keep their star.
Scott’s new contract could include a release clause. That might be Liverpool’s best hope.
For now, the noise is growing. And it won’t go away until Scott’s future is resolved, one way or another.
