Liverpool sensation to be handed a breakthrough by Andoni Iraola

Most of the 2026-27 summer transfer window for Liverpool has been focused on improving their attack.

Andoni Iraola and Richard Hughes have a massive void to fill due to Mohamed Salah's exit.

Indeed, if Hugo Ekitike was still fit, their need for a new attacker wouldn't be as strong but, since he's out of action until at least January, Liverpool are severely lacking in depth.

However, it's not only the Reds' attack that needs upgrading.

Their defence is also in a bit of a shambles thanks to the recent exits of Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson and, alongside these exits, several of the Reds' defensive players have also suffered injuries which means their depth is fairly thin there too.

But, when everyone is back fit, Iraola should have a decent team at his disposal.

This, after the below-par campaign last season, is all that they can really ask for with one Liverpool player likely to be particularly happy about the Spaniard's arrival.

Andoni Iraola wanted to sign Giovanni Leoni for Bournemouth last season

One of the main players that Liverpool need to return from injury is Giovanni Leoni.

The Italian centre-back was one of many additions last summer and, even though he only managed to play one game before suffering a season-long injury, during the 81 minutes he was available, the youngster played well.

However, before his move to Liverpool was even confirmed, several clubs from around the world were linked with an interest in the defender.

Obviously, he ended up choosing Anfield but, that doesn't mean that other clubs didn't try and get a deal over the line for the then 18-year-old.

And, among those teams were Bournemouth. The Cherries were the team managed by Iraola before his Liverpool move and now, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Spaniard was one of the main people trying to entice Leoni to join him at the Vitality.

"Could this be Giovanni Leoni's breakthrough year? The Italy international featured in just one match last season," they wrote.

"Following his League Cup debut against Southampton – playing 81 minutes on 23 September – Leoni sustained a partial rupture of his cruciate ligament. He remained sidelined for the entire year without making another appearance.

"It was a significant setback, the first of his career, but almost 12 months on, he is on the verge of a return to action.

"Indeed, new Reds manager Andoni Iraola is one of Leoni's biggest admirers. He had tried to sign him for Bournemouth in 2025 – as had many other clubs – but Leoni ultimately joined Arne Slot's Liverpool.

"This summer, the Basque coach took the reins at the club and is closely monitoring Leoni's recovery, ready to give him an opportunity once he is fit. It's his key attributes that stand out: physical strength, speed, and, crucially, his ability to build play from the back.

"Leoni is now in the final stages of his rehabilitation. The aim is to return to training by the end of August and be available for selection in September, naturally without rushing his comeback."

Giovanni Leoni may end up getting the nod over Jeremy Jacquet when he's fit

At the moment, most people anticipate Jeremy Jacquet to be Virgil van Dijk's partner for the 2026-27 season.

The Frenchman was one of Rennes' best players last season until he dislocated his shoulder which is why Liverpool spent around £55 million on him.

However, due to his injury, he's been absent from all of the Reds' pre-season games thus far.

This may seem a tad worrying, especially with Joe Gomez also side-lined but, thankfully, he's expected to be ready for the start of the Premier League season at the latest.

However, when all of Iraola's options return from the treatment table, it's unclear what their best starting XI is going to look like.

And, since the Spaniard actually wanted to sign Leoni last season, it feels like the Italian could end up getting into Liverpool's starting XI on more than one occasion.

Both players have never played a minute of Premier League football so, obviously some adjustments will need to be made but, since Liverpool believe they have two of the best young centre-backs in the world, it feels like whoever starts alongside Van Dijk will do a solid job.

Here's hoping that both players return from injury soon and can start competing against one another for a regular starting role.