Andoni Iraola’s three new Liverpool starting XIs with blockbuster Bradley Barcola transfer

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Liverpool have been relatively quiet in the transfer market compared to 12 months ago – so far. The Reds dropped a whopping £446million on the likes of Alexander Isak , Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez ahead of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

But that outlay didn't result in the retention of the title as Arne Slot's side ended up trophyless and the Dutchman out of a job. Mohamed Salah , Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate followed the Dutchman out the door following the expiry of their respective contracts.

Now, a new era is set to begin under Andoni Iraola . The former Bournemouth boss has signed Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz so far, but fans would argue that they will need more reinforcements before the season begins.

One major target Iraola is focusing on is Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola . The winger is not an out-and-out replacement for Salah, but he can slot into multiple areas if Liverpool does complete his signing.

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The Reds face Newcastle in just three weeks' time and also have a number of players sidelined for this curtain raiser. Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez, Ekitike and Giovanni Leoni are all unavailable, meaning Iraola will need to adapt.

Should Barcola be brought in before the Premier League opener, and Munoz also available, the Reds could set up totally differently going forward. Here, Mirror Football details three ways Liverpool could line up if the PSG star does join.

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Iraola will probably opt to implement his trusted system from his Bournemouth tenure with Alisson Becker anticipated to stay as No. 1 this season.

This setup would allow the Reds to operate a flat back four with active wing-backs in Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, alongside Virgil van Dijk and Jacquet at centre-back.

It's in midfield where a double pivot of Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch could anchor the side, while a lethal attacking trio of Rio Ngumoha, Wirtz and Barcola would operate behind Isak leading the line.

In this setup, Barcola would occupy his preferred left-sided position, where he has netted 32 goals and provided 32 assists for PSG and Lyon. Ngumoha would play on the right, a switch Iraola deployed in the recent pre-season victory over Wrexham, while Wirtz would orchestrate play in his natural No. 10 role.

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With the same goalkeeper and defensive quartet, the alteration here arrives in midfield. Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Wirtz would create a more conventional engine room, with the German playmaker granted licence to drift while the Dutchman operates in a deeper position.

It's in attack where Iraola could tinker, too. Barcola could operate on the right, a flank the Frenchman isn't completely accustomed to, but does possess experience in.

The PSG man has just seven goals from the right but has contributed 15 assists. New signing Munoz would slot into his preferred position on the left flank with both wide men delivering balls into Isak, who would operate as a lone striker.

This could even shift into a compact 4-5-1 without possession, should the Reds need to protect a lead.

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This setup places Wirtz on the left and Ngumoha on the right of a four-man midfield, with Szoboszlai and Gravenberch forming a two-man defensive shield. However, this would represent Iraola's wildcard option, potentially shifting Barcola into the hole behind Isak.

Barcola has featured as a centre-forward on more than 20 occasions, contributing a respectable nine goals. It's not an extensive sample, but the winger is known for cutting inside and frequently taking on opponents in central areas.

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