Liverpool 2026/27 Premier League preview: Iraola faces a tough task with the Reds

Having won the Premier League title for the second time in 2024/25, Liverpool went into last season with high hopes of retaining the trophy.

However, things did not go to plan, with the Reds finishing 25 points behind champions Arsenal. Manager Arne Slot was subsequently sacked.

Liverpool’s decision to appoint Andoni Iraola as his replacement is undoubtedly risky given that he has no experience managing a big club.

With that in mind, read on as we assess whether Liverpool can enjoy a productive 2026/27 Premier League campaign under their new manager.

Liverpool Premier League fixtures 2026/27

Liverpool summer transfers 2026

IN: Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes, £60m), Victor Munoz (Osasuna, £34.5m), Samuel Martinez (Atletico Nacional, undisclosed), Ronald Araujo (Barcelona, loan).

OUT: Andy Robertson (Tottenham Hotspur, free), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid, free), Mohamed Salah (released), Rhys Williams (released), Carter Pinnington (West Bromwich Albion, undisclosed) Kareem Ahmed (released), Emmanuel Airoboma (released), James Balagizi (released), DJ Bernard (released), Oakley Cannonier (released), Josh Davidson (released), Terence Miles (released), Jacob Poytress (released), Luca Stephenson (Bolton Wanderers, undisclosed), Armin Pecsi (TSV Hartberg, loan), Amara Nallo (HJK Helsinki, loan).

(Information correct on August 17).

Liverpool Premier League season 2026/27 preview

Liverpool’s tally of 17 wins in 38 league games last season was embarrassing for a club which had spent a small fortune during the summer transfer window.

The huge outlay on new players failed to deliver the desired results, with the club just about managing to secure Champions League qualification.

An unwanted sideshow involving Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah did not help their cause, and his exit this summer was necessary.

Iraola now faces the task of implementing a style of play which is alien to many of the players at his disposal. That will be easier said than done.

One of the former Bournemouth manager’s primary issues will be to mould a system which masks defender Virgil van Dijk’s increasing deficiencies.

The Dutchman’s decline has been evident over the past couple of seasons, yet the club still pushed out the boat financially to keep him on board.

The 35-year-old is unlikely to rediscover the form he previously showed, and his continued presence in the team may hinder Liverpool’s hopes of winning the title.

In fairness to Van Dijk, he helped the Reds keep a clean sheet in their 2-0 friendly victory over Como yesterday, so he may still have a role to play this season.

Liverpool have been hit and miss during pre-season, but Iraola believes that the squad will eventually adapt to his methods.

“We need every player, every time, every minute, every action – and that’s the commitment,” Iraola said. “I’m very happy with the attitude of the players.

“They are training really well. I am asking them to do things that are a little bit different – especially without the ball – and I think they are trying to get it.

“Obviously, we are still not perfect. We have things to improve, but I’m very happy with their attitude and their willingness to be on the same page. We will get there.”

Iraola’s bullishness is admirable, but his squad still looks short of the quality and depth needed to mount a sustained challenge for the title.

A top-four finish is achievable if Liverpool steer clear of injuries, but this could be another underwhelming campaign for the club.

Read more: Premier League 2026/27 season preview.