The Briefing: Iraola's Liverpool transfer hopes, Villa eye World Cup star and more

Iraola says Liverpool need more signings

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has conceded his team are in a “difficult situation” with injuries and departures, but has insisted the club is “working hard” to bring in new players.

Liverpool have already signed centre-back Jeremy Jacquet and winger Victor Munoz this summer. But Iraola says that will not be sufficient to cope with the demands of playing in the UEFA Champions League and bidding to reclaim the Premier League title they won in 2024/25.

Speaking at his first press conference since taking charge from AFC Bournemouth, Iraola said: “Obviously, we have signed two players already, but we need more players. We know this. The club is working on this.

“Me, as a coach, selfishly, we want the players here from day one to train from pre-season. But we know football doesn’t work like this. The club is working hard to get those signings.”

Liverpool have seen the vastly experienced trio Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson all depart this summer, while they are without the injured Hugo Ekitike, who was the club’s only player to reach double figures for goals in the Premier League last season.

“We have to accept the difficult situation right now,” said Iraola. “A lot of senior players leaving, very important players. Also, some of the very important players are injured: Ekitike, [Conor] Bradley and [Giovanni] Leoni.

“They are long-term injuries. In terms of improving the team, we have to consider replacing important players who were making important numbers and the players who will be missing time.

“We know that these three players, for example, I love them, [but] they are the long-term solutions, I'm sure."

Liverpool embark on a pre-season tour to the United States later this month, where they face Sunderland, Leeds United and Wrexham.

Villa make move for breakout World Cup star Manzambi

Aston Villa are reportedly looking to bring in Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi following his breakout FIFA World Cup performances for Switzerland.

The 20-year-old starred for the Swiss as they reached the World Cup quarter-finals, and now widespread reports – including The Guardian and The Athletic – suggest he could be on his way to Villa Park.

Unai Emery is looking to bolster his central-midfield options with Amadou Onana expected to be out long term after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at the World Cup. His Belgium and Villa team-mate Youri Tielemens has also been linked with a move to Manchester United.

Manzambi helped Freiburg reach the UEFA Europa League final last season, where the German side were defeated by Villa. He was named Europa League Young Player of the Season for his performances, while he then made history at the World Cup with three goals and two assists in just four appearances, becoming the youngest player to notch five goal involvements at a single World Cup since records began in 1966.

Extremely versatile, he played as a left winger and attacking midfielder for Switzerland, but primarily operates as a box-to-box central midfielder, where he excels with his dribbling ability.

According to BBC Sport, among players in the Bundesliga in his position last season, he ranked first for 10-plus metre progressive carries (116), shot-ending carries (13) and fouls won (78). He was also second for total take-ons (71) and total carry distance (2,476 metres).

Newcastle’s third Miley brother

A familiar surname joined Newcastle United’s ranks over the weekend, when Mason Miley followed in his brothers Lewis and Jamie’s footsteps by stepping up from the youth ranks and signing his first professional deal.

From left to right: Mason Miley, Lewis Miley, Jamie Miley

Mason, a central midfielder or full-back, has been at the club since Under-9 level, progressing through the ranks and making his Under-18 debut at the age of 15. He played 11 times in the Premier League 2 last season.

Now aged 17, his next goal is to emulate his older brothers, both of whom made their senior debuts under head coach Eddie Howe. Lewis has become a regular presence in Newcastle’s first team, while Jamie made a number of pre-season appearances before joining National League club Hartlepool United last year.

“To play with Lewis in a Newcastle United shirt for the first team is one of my ultimate goals. It would be an unreal moment for the family,” said Mason. “We’ve been training together during the summer and he has helped me to maintain strong fitness levels and standards.”

Although instances of three brothers signing for the same club are rare, the Mileys are not unique.

As well as two-time Premier League winner Eden Hazard, Chelsea also had his brothers Thorgan and Kylian on their books at different points.

From left to right: Eden Hazard, Thorgan Hazard, Kylian Hazard

The west London club also signed brothers Jay, Cole and Rio Dasilva from Luton Town’s academy at the same time in 2012; Jay played a key part in Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League last season.

Elsewhere, having all come through Aston Villa’s youth ranks, Jacob Ramsey now plays at Newcastle, Aaron at Burnley and youngest brother Cole recently signed for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ekitike follows Beckham's lead at Wimbledon

While his France team-mates are one match away from reaching a third World Cup final in a row, Liverpool striker Ekitike has been finding other ways to occupy himself over the summer while he recovers from an Achilles injury.

Ekitike’s season ended prematurely in April when he suffered the injury in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.

Last week, the Frenchman sampled some elite tennis fare when he headed to Wimbledon to watch eventual men’s singles champion Jannick Sinner defeat 24-time grand slam winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Asked about his French team-mates’ World Cup exploits, he told GQ: “Obviously I’m in touch with them but not a lot because they’re busy playing and I’m busy with my recovery.

“I wish I was there, but that’s life. I am where I am, and sometimes everybody has to deal with stuff.

“That’s my challenge and I accepted it so I’m happy for them and I hope they’re going to reach the final, win it, and bring the cup back to France.”

Ekitike turned heads at SW19 in an eye-catching white Dolce & Gabbana suit.

“When I think of Wimbledon, I think of David Beckham," he said. “In terms of wearing a suit, he's an icon. He's the one setting the standards so it's something to follow.”

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