Liverpool set to lose crucial pair just one year in to Andoni Iraola's reign

Liverpool's start to life under Andoni Iraola has been difficult to judge.

The Reds have dominated some games, recording some very convincing victories, but Iraola's side have also faced some crushing defeats.

Inconsistency across the pitch has been a big problem for the Spaniard to deal with, but injuries have also limited the team early on.

It is clear that there is still plenty of work to be done before this squad is ready to compete at the very top again, but two of the Reds' most important players are reportedly nearing the exit door.

The Anfield recruitment team will already be working on replacements, but this double loss would be a huge blow to Iraola.

Liverpool preparing for double exit in the summer

One of Julian Ward's first problems in his new role as Liverpool's sporting director is the array of expiring contracts he is faced with.

Seven members of the first-team squad are currently on track to leave for free at the end of the 2026/27 season.

Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Luke Chambers and Harvey Davies are all into the final 12 months of their current deals and, whilst some extensions will no doubt be negotiated, two stars are reportedly set to leave Anfield.

That's according to a report from Football Insider, which claims that both Van Dijk and Gomez are expected to leave for free in the summer upon the expiry of their contracts.

The loss of Van Dijk, who has played every minute of the Premier League campaign so far, is in itself a massive blow to the Reds, but to lose Gomez as well could cripple Iraola's defence.

The Englishman has been a massive asset for Liverpool in recent years because of his experience and ability to play multiple positions across the backline.

A very capable defender in his own right, Gomez has a lot to offer at Anfield when he is fit, but the problem for several seasons has been trying to keep the 29-year-old out of the treatment room.

The 15-capped England international has played just over 100 minutes under Iraola after missing the start of the season with a muscle injury.

Van Dijk's age, 35, is the big barrier when it comes to renewing the skipper.

The Dutchman is still performing at an extremely high level though, and to lose one of let alone both of Van Dijk and Gomez would be a massive blow to Liverpool.