Andoni Iraola masterminding move for €500m Spain midfielder

Liverpool declined to add a midfield option in the summer transfer window.

Despite the £30m loss of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan - and Stefan Bajcetic as well as Harvey Elliott leaving for pastures new - Andoni Iraola is left with the same cast of midfield characters.

Some extra game time may go to Trey Nyoni and James McConnell this season but by and large the new Liverpool head coach has got the same senior midfielders to pick from.

A fully-fit and in-form trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai is a midfield combination to dream of but Liverpool haven’t been getting the best out of them.

Liverpool line up move for Marc Bernal

Accordingly it’s been suggested that the club under new sporting director Julian Ward may well move for a new midfielder in January.

Marc Bernal of Barcelona is emerging as a potential signing with the 19-year-old potentially surplus to requirements for the Spanish champions.

The elegant left-footer has caught the eye of Reds’ recruiters - with Andoni Iraola now established as a firm fan.

That’s according to a report in Fichajes which claims that the Basque tactico is overseeing the club’s push to sign the one-cap Spain international.

Marc Bernal ticks three boxes for Iraola

The Spaniard ticks three boxes for his compatriot - with Liverpool now coming into focus as a realistic destination for the new year’s transfer period.

“Liverpool’s interest is also linked to Andoni Iraola's preferences, who believes Bernal possesses valuable characteristics for his midfield,” the report reads.

“His ability to play as a pivot, win back possession, and orchestrate attacks from deep positions fits the profile the manager is looking for.”

Marc Bernal: Situation summary

Marc Bernal is a left-footed holding midfielder whose strengths are positional intelligence, composure and line-breaking passing.

The 19-year-old controls build-up rather than relying on ball-carrying, screening the defence through anticipation and disciplined positioning.

After recovering from his serious knee injury, he contributed five goals across 2025/26. This season’s league return stands at two assists in 311 minutes: encouraging contributions, but limited involvement rather than an established starting role.

His confirmed contract runs until June 2029, with a reported €500m release clause.

September reporting suggested an agreement in principle to extend until 2031, although that report did not confirm the signing. Liverpool have been linked with a January move amid suggestions Barcelona could consider selling.

However, that remains speculative; the reported renewal points towards staying, with regular minutes central to his longer-term outlook.