Liverpool have been known to spend big in the transfer market in recent seasons, but last season’s £450m splurge ultimately failed to have the desired effect.
Arne Slott lost his job at Anfield after finishing fifth in the Premier League, just 12 months after achieving title glory during his first season on Merseyside.
Andoni Iraola is the latest manager to try his luck and make the Reds a dominant force, but he will no doubt be hoping to rely on players like Jude Bellingham.
The Englishman was a key transfer target for Liverpool in the summer of 2023, but has opted to join Real Madrid instead of Merseyside.
His recent achievements at international level have no doubt rubbed salt into the wounds of Reds supporters who were clamoring for him just a few years ago.
How Liverpool’s midfield has developed after missing the game against Bellingham
England’s 2-1 win over Norway last night was the latest example of what could happen for Liverpool, with Bellingham stepping up to bat when the country needed it most.
The 23-year-old’s double secured the Three Lions’ place in the World Cup and underlined his great ability to provide in times of need and uncertainty.
However, the Reds have a number of top-level operators within their senior ranks, with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenbirch being the two mainstays at the base of midfield.
The aforementioned duo played key roles alongside each other during their title-winning campaign, but there have been concerns about their long-term future since last season.
The same cannot be said for Dominik Szoboszlai, with the Hungarian international often shining in the top flight during a disastrous campaign under Slott’s guidance.
His combined tally of 25 goals and assists in all competitions was the most of any Merseyside player, and he often found the back of the net with long-range free-kicks.
Such a trio was the most familiar partnership in the heart of the Reds’ squad last season, but that doesn’t mean Iraola doesn’t want to take on his responsibilities throughout the 2026/27 season.
Liverpool could sign Bellingham
Iraola’s appointment as Liverpool manager marks a new start for the club and its players as they aim to regain Premier League glory.
After last summer’s splurge, it would be surprising to see so much money being spent on players, as the Spaniard will need to work his magic with most of the options on his books.
However, this does not mean that a bargain and high-potential addition cannot be made in the process, with Gilberto Mora potentially completing a move to Merseyside himself.
Soccer Insider reported this weekend that the Reds are preparing an opening offer for the 17-year-old, who has represented Mexico at four World Cups.
Gilberto Mora – Mexico World Cup Statistics | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 4 |
Play time (minutes) | 215 |
Pass accuracy | 91% |
An opportunity has arisen | 2.1 |
cross accuracy | 28% |
shot taken | 2.1 |
Touch inside the 18 yard box | 3.4 |
foul win | 1.3 |
According to their report, the likes of PSG, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich are also considering signing the Tijuana attacking midfielder before the end of the season. Previous reports suggest talks have already begun over a £34m move to the Reds.
It is unclear how much money will be needed to secure the teenager’s signature, but Iraola’s men absolutely need to achieve this in the ongoing market.
Despite his young age, Mora has already made an impact in Mexican football, scoring six goals in 20 appearances for his boyhood club last season.
Even in the ongoing World Cup, his basic statistics highlight his amazing talent, which is hard to believe for a 17-year-old, and he has succeeded in attracting attention.
Described as “world class” by tactical analyst Alfredo Frank, Mora created an astonishing 2.1 chances per 90, the most of any Mexican player.
The aforementioned numbers put him in the top 8% of all attackers in the tournament, highlighting his incredible ability to create carnage in the forward areas.
He also completed 91% of his attempted passes and had a cross accuracy rate of 28%. Both rank in the top 25% of all players in the tournament.
Such numbers are unprecedented for a player at his young age, and his immediate rise and influence on the professional game is similar to that of Bellingham during his time at Birmingham City.
The English player came through the ranks at his boyhood club before making a big-money move to Borussia Dortmund. Mora hopes to emulate that this summer.
However, Liverpool and Iraola will now have to work tirelessly to secure his contract in the coming months, lest they miss out on one of Europe’s elite.
At just 17 years old, Mora has a bright future ahead of him, and if he continues on his current trajectory, he has every chance of becoming one of the best players in the world.
