Liverpool head into the 2026-27 Premier League season under fresh leadership, with Andoni Iraola tasked with reviving a club that finished fifth last term and is now aiming to climb back into the top four, according to the Guardian's writers, who have pegged the Reds for fourth place this season.
Iraola's appointment came after interest from several major European clubs, including Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Crystal Palace, but he opted for Anfield despite an unvarnished pitch from ownership. "When I came here, the owners told me everything is not perfect," the Basque coach said at his introduction. "They said we would have some challenges, we would have to replace important players leaving, we have some injuries, but we are here to solve these kind of problems."
The 44-year-old arrives with no major trophies or European pedigree, but his reputation was built on transforming Bournemouth into a European-chasing side last season despite losing key defenders and later Antoine Semenyo in January. That knack for problem-solving under pressure is precisely what Liverpool's sporting director, Richard Hughes, who worked alongside Iraola at Bournemouth, believes can steady a club still reeling from a turbulent campaign under Arne Slot, who departed following friction with Mohamed Salah and the emotional toll of Diogo Jota's death.
With Salah's exit leaving no direct replacement, greater responsibility now falls on Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to deliver after quiet first seasons at the club. Early indications from pre-season suggest Wirtz operating just behind Isak could unlock more attacking potency. Liverpool's midfield remains a strength, further stabilized by Dominik Szoboszlai signing a new five-year deal, though question marks persist over the width of their attack, defensive solidity and on-field leadership.
Last season's Premier League form was notably inconsistent — Liverpool's win streak was bettered only by Aston Villa and Manchester City, yet their losing run was among the worst in the division, trailing only sides such as Chelsea and Tottenham. A four-match winless stretch in January was matched only by Bournemouth and Brentford. Iraola, by contrast, went unbeaten in his final 18 league games in charge of Bournemouth, a run of form Liverpool will hope he can replicate at Anfield.
Off the pitch, the club has undergone significant change. Michael Edwards has stepped down as chief executive of football, while Hughes is expected to leave once the transfer window shuts. The biggest development, however, is the sale of a 30% stake in Liverpool for £1.65bn to a consortium including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, and Amit Bhatia, who becomes vice-chairman. Fenway Sports Group insists the move is not a step toward exiting the club it bought in 2010, but supporters' groups such as Spirit of Shankly have demanded clarity on the investors' intentions.
On the transfer front, Liverpool have already committed heavily to strengthening their defense, completing a deal worth up to £60m for young center-back Jérémy Jacquet from Rennes in February. Though his pre-season has been disrupted by a shoulder injury, the 21-year-old impressed in his first outing against Como. Meanwhile, academy graduate Trey Nyoni, 19, has emerged as a standout performer in pre-season, adapting quickly to Iraola's demand for incisive, forward-thinking midfield play after a limited role last season.
Liverpool's preparations were also affected by the World Cup, with eight players returning late from international duty. Among the bright spots was Alexis Mac Allister, who helped Argentina reach the final and reminded observers of his quality after a difficult domestic campaign.
Separately, the Premier League has confirmed new transparency measures for the 2026-27 season, including weekly public reports from its Key Match Incidents Panel, published referee-VAR communications during major incidents, and expanded in-game audio from Ref Cam footage during selected matches.
Liverpool begin their season away at Newcastle, with Iraola aiming to translate his methods into results from the opening weeks.
Based on reporting from Guardian Football and Independent Football.