Andoni Iraola Eyes Liverpool Duo for Potential Move

Liverpool will begin pre-season training under new head coach Andoni Iraola with several senior players absent due to the World Cup and scheduled holidays. According to Echo writers Paul Gorst and Ian Doyle, this vacancy creates immediate opportunities for new signing Jeremy Jacquet and recovering midfielder Stefan Bajcetic to secure first-team roles.

Why is Jeremy Jacquet expected to play a major role this summer?

Liverpool faces a shortage of senior center-backs after Ibrahima Konate joined Real Madrid at the end of his contract, Paul Gorst reports. Captain Virgil van Dijk remains the only primary senior center-half, excluding the versatile Joe Gomez, but Van Dijk will be on holiday during the start of pre-season.

The vacancy increases as Giovanni Leoni continues to recover from an ACL injury. This leaves a gap for Jeremy Jacquet, the 21-year-old Frenchman signed for £60 million from Rennes. Jacquet is returning from shoulder surgery that ended his previous campaign early.

Gorst notes that while expectations are high due to his price point, the pre-season program allows Jacquet to prove he can eventually partner with Van Dijk. The club believes they secured the best young defender in France by beating Chelsea to the signing.

Did You Know? Liverpool signed Jeremy Jacquet for £60 million, beating out competition from Chelsea for the young French defender.

How does Stefan Bajcetic fit into Andoni Iraola’s plans?

Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is attempting a comeback after a period of inactivity caused by major hamstring surgery, according to Ian Doyle. The Spaniard, who is nearly 22, has not started a Premier League match in more than three years.

Jeremy Jacquet 2026 – Defensive Skills, Assists & Goals – New Liverpool Player | HD

Bajcetic recently signaled his return by posting photos at the AXA Training Centre with the caption “back on track.” He is currently following an individual training program. Doyle points out that Bajcetic has played only 97 minutes for Liverpool since March 2023.

The shift in leadership may benefit the midfielder. Andoni Iraola, who previously led Bournemouth to a sixth-place finish and European qualification, prefers a system with two deeper central midfielders. This tactical preference could create a path for Bajcetic to return to the lineup.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the intersection of Iraola’s tactical preference for double-pivot midfielders and Bajcetic’s need for minutes creates a high-stakes environment. If Bajcetic can prove his fitness, he provides a low-cost solution to a tactical requirement, though his lack of recent competitive minutes remains a significant risk.

What happens next for the Liverpool pre-season squad?

The squad is scheduled to fly to Chicago on July 20. This trip will serve as the primary testing ground for Jacquet and Bajcetic to demonstrate their fitness and integration into Iraola’s system.

Jacquet may use the Stateside tour to establish himself as a viable long-term partner for Van Dijk. Meanwhile, Bajcetic could focus on reclaiming the form that made him a celebrated prospect at age 17.

Because the squad remains light on senior defensive options, the club may seek to sign another senior center-half before the transfer window closes to avoid over-reliance on young players returning from injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new head coach of Liverpool?
Andoni Iraola, who previously led Bournemouth to sixth place and European qualification, replaced Arne Slot.

When and where is Liverpool’s pre-season tour taking place?
The club is scheduled to fly to Chicago on July 20.

Why is the center-back position currently vacant?
Ibrahima Konate left for Real Madrid, Virgil van Dijk will be on holiday, and Giovanni Leoni is recovering from an ACL injury.

Do you think a young defender like Jeremy Jacquet can immediately fill the void left by Ibrahima Konate?