Regardless, it’s shaping up to be another hectic summer of transfer activity, as Richard Hughes and co. aim to rebuild the Liverpool squad. It could give three Liverpool players, who previously looked destined for the exit door, a new lease of life.
It had been looking as if Curtis Jones’ Liverpool career was coming towards the end, with the midfielder being linked with a move away from Anfield. Inter Milan had emerged as a candidate to sign the 25-year-old, who featured 49 times across all competitions for the Reds this season. However, he could be a player given a second chance under Iraola, given the Spaniard’s fondness for players capable of playing several positions. Jones has featured in his natural midfield position, but also at full-back, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Iraola pushed to keep the Englishman.
Remember him? Unai Emery certainly didn’t know when picking his teams for Aston Villa this season. Having entered the summer as one of the hottest prospects on the market, Harvey Elliott joined Villa on an initial loan, with a view to making it permanent at the end of the season. In the end, the Englishman managed just 11 appearances across all competitions and has since returned to Anfield with his tail between his legs. The talent is certainly there, that’s for sure, and having fallen out of favour under Slot, a change of manager could revive what looked to be a previously dead in the water Liverpool career.
Another one of Liverpool’s forgotten men, with Wataru Endo having played just 12 matches across the entirety of the campaign. Signed under Jurgen Klopp, the Japanese midfielder was never fancied by Slot and has spent most of his time on the bench this season. At 33-years-old, Endo would be unlikely to have a key role under Iraola, but that doesn’t mean to say he can’t be useful as a squad player. Endo is under contract until the end of next season, and if Liverpool can’t find a buyer, there’s every chance Iraola keeps him in the squad.