EPL: Liverpool coach Iraola happy with club’s summer signings

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed satisfaction with the club’s summer transfer business, insisting that his focus is now on developing the squad at his disposal.

Liverpool made four major additions during the summer transfer window, including the £123m signing of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcola is expected to be available for selection when Liverpool travel to face Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Friday.

Despite Liverpool deciding against adding another right-back or central midfielder, Iraola defended the club’s transfer strategy and said he was happy with the quality available to him.

As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, “Do I want more signings? In the end, the club has decided those signings we have done are the ones that will improve our team, improve the positions,” Iraola said.

“There were other options that we decided not to take for different reasons, sometimes sporting or economical. It didn’t make sense in the market for those moves.

“But I’m happy now. I have a lot of quality in the team. Now it is the moment for me and the players to develop what we have.”

Liverpool also completed the £60m signing of centre-back Jeremy Jacquet, although the deal was agreed in January. Under Iraola, the club added winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna for £34.5m and defender Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona.

The Reds also opted against replacing Curtis Jones following his £30m move to Inter Milan.

Jones made 49 appearances for Liverpool last season, but Iraola believes he has enough options in midfield.

“In midfield we have good numbers,” he said.

“Now it’s a matter of getting the right calls from myself. I’m finding now the best combinations and we are going through a period now where we will play a lot of games and we’ll have a chance to see the options we have and the combinations we have.

“It’s a matter of coaching.”

Iraola also expressed his delight at retaining Cody Gakpo after Manchester City had an £80m bid for the Netherlands international rejected.

“I’m glad to keep Cody Gakpo because he is a valuable player,” Iraola said.

Gakpo has made a positive start to the
season, registering one goal and one assist in Liverpool’s opening two league matches, both of which ended in draws.

With Barcola now available, Iraola will hope his strengthened squad can begin turning those draws into victories as Liverpool continue their Premier League campaign.