Andoni Iraola confirms new signing is jetting into Liverpool next week

Andoni Iraola has confirmed a new signing is coming to Liverpool next week.

Liverpool's transfer window has reached the point where patience is beginning to wear thin.

There is still time left before the deadline, of course, but that's becoming an increasingly weak defence. The reality is that Andoni Iraola is edging closer to the start of the season without a squad that looks capable of playing the football he wants.

That should concern everyone at Anfield.

Nobody is questioning the ambition shown earlier in the rebuild. Liverpool have spent heavily over the last two transfer windows and there has been a clear attempt to lower the average age of the squad. But every transfer window has to be judged on what the team still needs, not what has already been spent.

Right now, there are obvious holes.

The biggest is out wide. Liverpool allowed Mohamed Salah to leave knowing full well how difficult the market for elite right-wingers would be. Weeks later, they are still searching for a solution.

The midfield isn't much better. Iraola's style demands relentless intensity, athleticism and players capable of covering enormous distances without the ball. Liverpool still look short in that department, particularly with uncertainty surrounding the futures of several midfielders.

Defensively, there are also questions that remain unanswered. Depth is thin, injuries are inevitable over the course of a long campaign and Iraola's aggressive pressing system places even greater physical demands on his back line.

None of these issues have appeared overnight. Liverpool have known about them for months. That is what makes the lack of movement so frustrating.

Recruitment departments are supposed to anticipate problems before they become crises. Instead, it feels as though Liverpool are reacting to events rather than staying one step ahead of them.

Richard Hughes deserves credit for some of the work he has done since arriving. There have been smart additions and a long-term vision behind many of the club's decisions. But this summer is entering dangerous territory.

Iraola is walking into one of the biggest jobs in European football. He is expected to implement an intense, demanding style while competing for the Premier League and the Champions League against rivals who have strengthened significantly.

That is a huge ask even with a complete squad. Without further reinforcements, it borders on unfair.

There is still time for Liverpool to rescue this transfer window. A couple of major signings could completely change the mood around the club and give Iraola the tools he needs to succeed.

If they don't arrive, though, serious questions will have to be asked.

Because if Liverpool fall short this season, it won't just be the head coach who should face scrutiny. The recruitment team will have played its part in setting him up to fail.

Thankfully, there is at least some good news on the way. Liverpool are heading back to the AXA training centre next week. They will be returning home to continue their preparation and they will be welcomed there by the likes of Virgil van Dijk, who have been getting up to match fitness while training with the club's U21 and U18s talents.

Welcoming the team there will be a new signing joining the ranks as well.

Iraola confirmed speaking to Liverpool's official website that the club's only signing of this window Victor Munoz is jetting to Liverpool next week.

“He comes next week," Iraola said.

"We spoke to him and he wanted also to come a little bit earlier than the three weeks that they have the right to have, because obviously he is coming to a new club, he will need some time to adapt, to meet his teammates. We will have him next week as soon as we arrive there, basically. It’s also good news.”

It's nice to see the new signing coming in early and getting to grips with it all. Munoz is clearly eager to make a good first impression.