Andoni Iraola arrives at Liverpool with 7 burning agenda items to attend

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1 is out of contract at the end of next season.However, over the past two seasons, the Brazilian has missed at least 30 games for the Merseyside outfit, further hampered by his not-so-sprightly age of 33.Giorgi Mamardashvili joined from Valencia last summer, in what was a clear case of future-proofing by sporting directors Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards.Aston Villa v Liverpool - Premier League | Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImagesThe 25-year-old should be approaching his prime years and remains in pole position to succeed Alisson if and when he does leave.But despite a couple of spells between the sticks for Liverpool, the Georgian international has looked far from the assured presence provided by his mentor, and another season playing backup seems sensible.If all goes well, Mamardashvili will be ready to be Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper next summer, and Alisson will receive a hero’s farewell as he likely embarks on another challenge.3. How long does van Dijk have left at the top level?Liverpool’s skipper will wear the iconic red shirt for a ninth campaign and has been a mainstay in their backline since he joined in January 2018.While last season showcased that van Dijk may be past his prime, Iraola will count on the colossal centre back having plenty of experience to compete for major honours.The Dutchman turns 35 this month and, like Alisson, is also out of contract next summer and remains one of Liverpool’s highest earners throughout the squad.TOPSHOT-FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-CRYSTAL PALACE | PAUL ELLIS/GettyImagesThe club will be wary of handing out exorbitant contracts in the wake of Salah’s sharp decline, and van Dijk is likely to fall victim to its new stance.Ultimately, Liverpool’s captain will have to decide if he is willing to stay, as the youth of Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet rise through the ranks or seek regular game time elsewhere.Van Dijk is an irreplaceable player, but Richard Hughes will know that offering him a new contract on reduced terms is the only logical choice in Liverpool’s current landscape.4.

Are squad players good enough?This time last year, Joe Gomez was used as a makeweight in Liverpool’s attempt to sign Anthony Gordon, now at Barcelona, from Newcastle.Later in the window, he was hours away from swapping Merseyside for Milan before Marc Guehi’s proposed transfer from Crystal Palace fell through.But with the departure of Konate, Gomez now remains the only senior centre back alongside van Dijk and keeping him at the club this season is crucial for Iraola.Paris Saint-Germain FC v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg | DeFodi Images/GettyImagesKostas Tsimikas has also returned from a loan spell at Roma, ready to contend with Milos Kerkez at left-back, following Spurs’ acquisition of Andy Robertson.Both have a year remaining on their contracts, with their experience worth its weight in gold as Liverpool try to uphold their previously high standards in the wake of a dismal title defence.5. It truly is now or never for the local lad.Aston Villa v Liverpool - Premier League | James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImagesWhile his off-the-ball work impresses, Iraola must decide if he is part of his future plans or whether the transfer fee could pave the way for a more suitable midfielder.Alexis Mac Allister, 27, is in a similar predicament, a player who looks a shadow of his former self and primed for a sale, as he remains contracted until 2028.The Argentine looks lacklustre and unable to keep up with the blistering pace of the Premier League, as well as the ability to conduct Liverpool’s midfield as he did during their title triumph last year.While youth is on the side of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz, Mac Allister does not have the same luxury, and if a suitable offer arrives, Hughes may have to be ruthless.6.

8 next season.FBL-ENG-PR-BOURNEMOUTH-LIVERPOOL | GLYN KIRK/GettyImagesQuickly emerging as one of the best players in his position, extending his contract beyond 2028 should be a priority for the club’s hierarchy.It won’t be long before the sharks start to circle, and unleashing a player who has unwavering support from everyone involved at Liverpool should only spell danger for the rest of the Premier League.7. Housekeeping is required to support big gunsAs the Reds continue their search for wide players in the wake of Salah’s departure, there is still work to be done with the current squad.Federico Chiesa is almost guaranteed to leave the club in search of more game time, while new signing Victor Munoz is still at the World Cup with Spain.Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are expected to lead the line for years to come, while the club are not expected to sanction a sale for Cody Gakpo, who remains well contracted until 2030.Liverpool v Fulham - Premier League | NurPhoto/GettyImagesLiverpool’s teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha signed his first professional contract that runs for another two years, surely a case of mere formalities, before an extension with improved terms is announced.The absence of Michael Edwards was felt for the better part of four years, but now that he has returned in a new role, supporters should feel reassured that contract sagas are a thing of the past.Alongside Richard Hughes, they made the right decision in relieving Arne Slot and recruiting Andoni Iraola, hopefully ushering in a period of stability for both players and the coaching staff.Add us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow