Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe former Bournemouth head coach will make an Anfield arrival imminently ahead of the 2026/27 season.Andoni Iraola, set to replace failing boss Arne Slot, who was sacked by Liverpool last weekend, is already plotting a rescue mission to reunite himself with a former Cherries man.The Spaniards prospective Liverpool squad, looking to return to major trophy-winning glory next season, is now beginning to form a clearer shape.Iraola wants Huijsen, plans Real Madrid swoopLiverpool recently experienced the departures of club legends Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, both of whom drew the curtain in May on their illustrious nine-year-long Reds spells.Their exits overshadowed the later exit of Ibrahima Konate, one of the finest centre-backs Anfield has witnessed in its modern era. The Frenchman announced his departure days later without an opportunity to say goodbye in-person as Salah and Robertson did. You may like Who are Andoni Iraolas Liverpool assistants? Andoni Iraola's first three Liverpool tasks are daunting and monumental - but achievable Why is Andoni Iraolas Liverpool contract so short? Get VIP Liverpool tickets for next season HERE with Seat Unique!Seat Unique tickets at Anfield offer a fantastic matchday. You get premium padded seats in the new Anfield Road stand (Block AM5, front rows) and access to the Brodies Lounge for three hours pre-match. Enjoy street food, a complimentary half-time drink, a matchday programme, and entertainment, including a Liverpool legend appearance, making it a truly elevated experience.View DealIraola has the perfect replacement in mind and is quietly plotting an ambitious Real Madrid raid: Dean Huijsen, the former Cherries star who moved to LaLiga last summer.According to a report from Fichajes, Real Madrid are unwilling to let their young centre-back leave so easily, however, the pressures endured at a club facing a potentially third successive trophy-less season could lead to previously unforeseen decisions.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Huijsen experienced a less than convincing debut season in the Spanish top-flight, and the LaLiga giants appear to be in disarray with various inter-club feuds and an upcoming presidential election.From Iraolas perspective, reuniting with a familiar face, who provided enough value to the Cherries that it led to interest from Real Madrid and other European giants, makes perfect sense as a Konate replacement that Liverpool now require.The figure being discussed is 70 million, which would see Real Madrid gain an almost 10 million profit within just a season of signing the youngster. What to read next Liverpool in Arne Slot u-turn, as Xabi Alonso talks begin: report 100m Liverpool signing on the cards, as Reds eye the next Semenyo: report Manchester United report: Andoni Iraolas first signings revealed, as Red Devils plot future The decision will hinge entirely on Huijsens own plans, and, of course, Real Madrids to perhaps sell the 21-year-old at a later date for a far higher fee, should his potential be deemed great enough.Liverpools financial situation heading into the 2026/27 campaign remains unclear, and if Los Blancos are to push for a greater transfer value, it could derail Iraolas hopes.The Reds spent significantly in the aftermath of their 2025 Premier League title victory, spending �300 million on a trio of attacking signings in Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.Having lost Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson on free transfers at the end of their respective contracts, Liverpool may have to bite the bullet this time around to see drastic improvements made to an ailing, hole-filled Reds squad.Despite the impending arrival of Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes, the era of Virgil van Dijk is rapidly drawing to a close, and a second young centre-back will surely be among the club's top priorities this summer.Kedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
