Tag: Alexander Isak

How Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool could look in 2026-27

Featured by Rhys Desmond, posted in Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Team Analysis

After winning the title in Arne Slot's first Premier League campaign, Liverpool endured one of their worst seasons across the past decade in his second, ultimately resulting in an end of season sacking. Three points below them, Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth secured European football for the first time in club history. Despite that, the prospect of taking the wheel at one of football's most historic club must have been too good to turn down, and we now prepare for a new evolution in Liverpool's post-Klopp era. Here is a look into Andoni Iraola's Liverpool, and what they still need to solve in the transfer market ahead of the first fixture.

Why Hugo Ekitiké has worked when so many big money signings have flopped

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Coach Education, Game of Numbers, Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Striker

Every summer, Premier League clubs spend £80m–£100m chasing the next superstar forward. Every season, the league humbles them. But Hugo Ekitiké has been the exception. Ten goals, instant adaptation, and a playing style that personifies Liverpool's identity. Here is why he’s worked when so many other big-money signings have stalled.

Why big clubs keep getting transfers wrong

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Data Analysis, Recruitment & Scouting

To football clubs, £100 million might no longer seem like an insane amount of money. They seem to have money to spare. But it never works. And herein lies the reason why clubs like Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth will always have better transfer strategies. Think of how many proven Premier League players you could sign for that total sum of £100-125 million. Think of how many young players you could convince to join for that total fee. This is the problem with the spending of big clubs, and why most big transfers fail.

Why Harvey Barnes is perfect for Newcastle United

by Rhys Desmond, posted in Masterclasses, Player Analysis, Premier League, Recruitment & Scouting, Subscriber Exclusives, Winger

In what is now their second summer under new ownership where they have the reigns to splash the cash on players as they please, Newcastle United continue to spend their money wisely. They haven't made much of an attempt to lure some of the world's greatest players over to their squad on hefty contracts, instead, … Continue reading Why Harvey Barnes is perfect for Newcastle United