Andoni Iraola became the next manager of Liverpool after the sacking of Arne Slot, and we are with our pick of the top 3 players he could target from his former club, Bournemouth, ahead of the 2026 Summer Transfer Window. Having enjoyed considerable success at Bournemouth, the Spanish coach knows exactly what profiles fit his high-intensity, aggressive style of football.
While Liverpool will undoubtedly explore options across Europe, history shows that managers often return to players they know and trust. With Bournemouth's squad packed with emerging talent, several Cherries stars could find themselves linked with a move to Anfield this summer.
Here are three Bournemouth players Iraola could look to bring with him to Merseyside.
1. Adrien Truffert
Football has a funny way of repeating itself.
Adrien Truffert only arrived at Bournemouth after Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez from the Cherries in a big-money transfer. At the time, many expected Kerkez to become Liverpool's long-term solution at left-back, while Bournemouth moved quickly to secure Truffert as his replacement.
Fast forward a season, and the situation has taken an unexpected twist. Kerkez has struggled to consistently hit the heights expected at Anfield, while Truffert has adapted brilliantly to life in the Premier League and become one of Bournemouth's standout performers.
The French full-back possesses many of the qualities Iraola values. He is energetic, technically gifted, comfortable in possession, and capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch. His attacking overlaps and relentless work rate make him an ideal fit for a manager who demands intensity from his full-backs.
With questions still surrounding Liverpool's left-back situation, it would not be surprising if Iraola looked towards a player he knows can thrive in his system. Ironically, history could repeat itself, with Liverpool once again attempting to sign Bournemouth's starting left-back.
2. Alex Scott
Liverpool's midfield remains one of the strongest in England, but there are signs that reinforcements may be required.
Alexis Mac Allister endured a disappointing campaign by his high standards, while Liverpool also struggled at times to manage the workload of key midfielders. The lack of a natural alternative capable of giving Ryan Gravenberch regular rest exposed a lack of depth in certain areas.
That is where Alex Scott could come into the picture.
The former Bristol City prodigy has long been regarded as one of England's brightest young midfield talents. Despite injury setbacks affecting parts of his Bournemouth career, Scott has shown flashes of exceptional quality under Iraola.
His versatility is arguably his biggest strength. Scott can operate as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or deeper playmaker. He combines technical quality with intelligence, energy, and ball-carrying ability, traits that fit perfectly into Liverpool's evolving midfield structure.
At just 22 years old, Scott also aligns with Liverpool's recent transfer strategy of investing in young players with significant long-term upside. Under a manager who already understands his strengths, a move to Anfield could accelerate his development even further.
3. Eli Junior Kroupi
One of Liverpool's biggest priorities this summer will be finding a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.
With the Egyptian legend expected to depart, Liverpool are being linked with a number of exciting attacking talents, including highly rated winger Yan Diomande. However, Iraola may have another name in mind.
Eli Junior Kroupi is one of the most exciting young forwards to emerge at Bournemouth in recent years. The French attacker flourished under Iraola's guidance and has demonstrated the ability to play across multiple positions in the final third.
While Kroupi is not a direct like-for-like replacement for Salah, his versatility could be incredibly valuable. He is capable of operating on either wing, as a second striker, or through the middle, giving Liverpool's attack greater flexibility.
Perhaps most importantly, Iraola already knows how to maximize Kroupi's strengths. The manager's familiarity with the youngster could make Liverpool more confident about investing in his potential rather than pursuing a more expensive alternative.
With Salah's departure creating a major void in Liverpool's frontline, Kroupi could emerge as a surprise but logical target.
Final Thoughts
Andoni Iraola's arrival at Liverpool could create a fascinating transfer dynamic between the Reds and Bournemouth. Adrien Truffert would strengthen the left-back position; Alex Scott could add much-needed midfield depth and creativity, while Eli Junior Kroupi offers exciting long-term potential in attack.
Whether Liverpool ultimately pursues any of these players remains to be seen, but if Iraola wants familiar faces capable of adapting quickly to his demanding style, Bournemouth may provide the perfect transfer market hunting ground.
