Liverpool secured a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in their opening official friendly for the 2026-27 season, providing early evidence of manager Andoni Iraola’s tactical influence. Sunderland defender Dan Ballard noted that the team is already reflecting the style of play Iraola implemented at Bournemouth last term. However, despite the win, the match highlighted significant concerns regarding the depth and composition of the Liverpool squad.
The club has been relatively quiet in the transfer market, securing only one senior addition: Spain international Victor Munoz from Osasuna. With approximately one month remaining in the transfer window, there is an urgent need to address specific positions. The 2024-25 Premier League champions are currently lacking in defensive stability and attacking efficiency, which could hinder their campaign.
Defensive issues were immediately apparent against Sunderland when Joe Gomez suffered an injury just eight minutes into the match. His departure forced Iraola to rely on teenage centre-backs Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe. The situation is compounded by the departure of Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer, while captain Virgil van Dijk has only recently returned following his FIFA World Cup commitments. Although Liverpool were linked with Maxence Lacroix, that move appears headed to Chelsea, leaving other defensive targets cold. Relying on young players like Giovanni Leoni and Jeremy Jacquet is deemed risky, as both are currently recovering from long-term injuries and require a gradual return to the intensity of Premier League football.
Beyond the backline, Iraola has publicly emphasized the necessity of signing a new winger. Iraola spoke in his first press conference in the United States about the need to bring in a new winger. While fans might appreciate the arrival of Munoz and Federico Chiesa’s apparent commitment to the club, the current wing options lack the clinical edge required to compete at the highest level. With Hugo Ekitike sidelined by an Achilles injury, the goalscoring burden rests heavily on Alexander Isak. None of the current wingers at the club have ever scored more than ten league goals in a single season within Europe’s top five leagues. To alleviate this, Liverpool have been linked with France international Bradley Barcola, who has recorded 25 league goals over the last two seasons, and the club is being urged to finalize such a deal. Report: European club has made contact over move for Liverpool forward.
Iraola’s side were too strong for the Black Cats, but there were clear warning signs for him in the game, particularly with respect to the composition of his squad.
Neither player will immediately be ready for the rigours of Premier League football and must be eased in gradually.
