Journalist: Liverpool have already decided to replace £29m star

Journalist: Liverpool have already decided to replace £29m star Liverpool’s Right Back Search Signals Andoni Iraola’s Early Priority Liverpool’s transfer priorities under new head coach Andoni Iraola continue to take shape, and one position appears to be moving rapidly up the agenda. Speaking on Anfield Index’s ‘Media Matters’ podcast with host Dave Davis, journalist David Lynch outlined why Liverpool are actively looking to strengthen at right back this summer. With Jeremie Frimpong yet to fully convince following his £29 million arrival and Conor Bradley recovering from a serious injury, Liverpool are determined to avoid repeating the instability that plagued the position last season. As Lynch explained: “They acknowledge that themselves as well in that they don’t want to get caught in a situation.” He added that Liverpool “need players who can play in a certain position” and want a clearer structure when injuries strike. Lessons From Last Season’s Right Back Chaos Liverpool’s issues at right back became increasingly obvious as injuries mounted. Lynch highlighted how the club found themselves constantly improvising. “They really were having to try different things there for a stint,” he said. He referenced how Liverpool ended up using Curtis Jones there, while Joe Gomez and others were also deployed in the role. The club’s objective now is simple. “The expectation is that they’re going do something at right back.” That does not necessarily mean signing a specialist full back. Lynch revealed Liverpool are considering multiple solutions. “It might be kind of a centre half who can play there.” He also suggested another possibility. “It might be, you know, you sign a centre half and you keep hold of Joe Gomez so he can be the backup there and play some games.” Conor Bradley Recovery Shapes Liverpool Planning A major factor in Liverpool’s thinking is the uncertain timeline surrounding Bradley’s return. Lynch stressed that both player and club are taking a cautious view. “Players do tend to lean towards the optimistic side on these things,” he said. While Bradley hopes to return relatively early, Liverpool are determined not to rush him. “Liverpool will be very, very cautious because when you get these long term injuries, you do tend to get setbacks.” Lynch offered his own view on when supporters might realistically expect Bradley back. “If he could be back October time and fully in contention at that point, I think that would be a bonus.” Most importantly, Liverpool do not want their season to depend on Bradley’s recovery schedule. “It’s important that they have a real go to option there.” Photo: IMAGO Frimpong Not Viewed As Long Term Answer Although Frimpong remains part of Liverpool’s plans, Lynch suggested the Dutchman is unlikely to become the club’s first choice right back over a full campaign. “I don’t get the sense they want to be playing Frimpong there for the majority of the season.” Instead, Liverpool see him as a flexible option who can contribute in different areas. “They want to kind of put him in a position where, yeah, he can play the odd game at right back.” Lynch also pointed to tactical concerns. “The amount you find yourself under diagonal crossfield balls and those sorts of things, that’s not really his strength.” Transfer Targets Remain Unclear While several names have been linked, Liverpool’s exact target remains uncertain. Dave Davis raised the possibility of players such as Lutsharel Geertruida but Lynch poured cold water on suggestions that either move is close. Regarding Geertruida, he said: “It doesn’t seem like it’s one that’s really, really high on the agenda.” What is clear, however, is that Liverpool are determined to strengthen. Lynch summed up the club’s position perfectly: “They’re just not going to leave themselves short is the idea basically.” For Andoni Iraola, that may be one of the first major squad issues that needs solving before the new Premier League season begins.