The early stages of the 2026/27 Premier League season will be very interesting for Liverpool as the club embarks on a new era. Andoni Iraola has been appointed manager and he will look to quickly enforce his footballing philosophy at Anfield.

The Spaniard arrives from Bournemouth, taking over Arne Slot, who left after winning the league in his debut campaign, before following it up with a poor second season. The Reds finished 5th in 2025/26, managing 24 points fewer than they had when lifting the title 12 months prior.

After Slot’s exit, it looks as though Iraola has a big job on his hands. The 44-year-old has made no secret of that, and his recent comments on the matter have caused a bit of a stir.

Iraola Claims Liverpool Stars ‘Can Only Run for 30 Minutes’

Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley

Pre-season has shown some worrying signs in the past two games. Against both Leeds United and then Monaco, Liverpool threw away a two-goal lead and went on to lose the game. Speaking to the press after the game, Iraola made a rather alarming comment as he suggested his players ‘can only run for 30 minutes’, explaining:

Of course, pre-season is a time where most squads may look a little unfit, as players look to rebuild fitness after spending time away from football over the summer. Even so, with the Premier League season kicking off in less than two weeks, it’s not ideal to suggest that the Liverpool stars only have about 30 minutes in them.

Liverpool Fans Blame Arne Slot Over Fitness Concerns

After Iraola’s claims, some Liverpool fans have seen it as a damning comment on the training regime under former boss Slot. Under the Dutchman, some players seemed unhappy with the direction of things, with Mohamed Salah most notably speaking out against his former boss.

Calling back to the energy-filled days under Jurgen Klopp, Salah said: “I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.” While it’s unclear if he was specifically unhappy with training methods, he certainly wasn’t happy with Slot’s overall coaching.

Now, after Iraola’s suggestions that the team isn’t fit, many Liverpool supporters have blamed the current issues as a lasting legacy of their former coach. One wrote:

“Slot’s training methods were a disgrace.” Another agreed, adding: “Slot really ruined the team’s fitness last season. More holidays than training.”

In response to the comments, someone else said: “We’ve known that since Slot lost the plot in his title-winning season.” While another wrote: “All thanks to Slot. He has destroyed the elite fitness these players had.”

A final fan summed up the sentiment, remarking: “Arne Slot’s Liverpool legacy right here.”

Manchester United are ready to look elsewhere after learning that Newcastle United will not entertain offers for English left-back Lewis Hall.

The Magpies have reportedly made it clear that they are not looking to sell Hall and are looking to tie him down to a new deal. It’s not the news the Red Devils wanted, having set their sights on the former Chelsea star to give Luke Shaw much-needed competition at left-back.

With the 2026-27 Premier League season starting in just 11 days, INEOS are still tasked with adding a left-sided full-back to Michael Carrick’s squad. They risk heading into the campaign with the likes of centre-back Noussair Mazraoui and right-back Diogo Dalot as their options to provide backup for Shaw.

Man Utd Consider Salinas After Hall Blow

While Manchester United could trust Harry Amass to serve as Shaw’s backup, it doesn’t feel as though the higher-ups believe he’s ready. The fact that they were eyeing Hall suggests they feel a more proven name needs to replace Tyrell Malacia following his exit earlier this summer.

Laurie Whitwell gave an update on the situation and revealed the club’s interest in Racing Santander’s Jorge Salinas. He said on the latest episode of Talk of the Devils podcast:

Salinas is one of Spanish football’s most exciting defenders and, at only 19, is tipped for a bright future. Reputed scout Jacek Kulig believed he was headed to Barcelona earlier this summer while explaining just why he’s in demand:

Salinas doesn’t appear to be joining Barca despite their interest in the youngster, and that means United have the opportunity to swoop for the Spain U19 international. He has been earning rave reviews following an impressive past season and could be more open to rotating with Shaw than Hall, who’d likely be expecting a starting role.

Salinas’ Price Will Tempt INEOS

With a move for Hall off the cards, United still need to sign a new left-back, and Salinas could be a worthy alternative. INEOS have been handling the summer transfer window carefully, looking to avoid overpaying or getting dragged into bidding wars at astronomical fees.

There has been some frustration amongst the club’s fanbase regarding a lack of business, but others feel they are righting the wrongs of years gone by. While they still look to add a third new midfielder to Carrick’s squad, signing Salinas at such a reasonable price allows them to do just that.

Manchester United transfer targets

Joaquin Seys – Another Hall alternative on list

Adam Wharton – Emerges as third midfielder option

Louis Page – Advanced talks to sign Leicester youngster

Marc Casado – Expected to leave Barcelona

The Red Devils will have factored in a return to the Champions League when preparing their summer transfer business. If they can bring an exciting young left-back like Salinas to Old Trafford to potentially replace Shaw in the long run, it could prove to be an excellent acquisition.

Tottenham Hotspur are still looking to add a new forward to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad ahead of the Italian coach’s first full season in charge.

This has been arguably the busiest summer in the club’s history and six signings have been made thus far for a staggering £237 million. De Zerbi’s midfield has been sorted out following the arrivals of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United for £100 million and Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United for £85 million.

Spurs were interested in Bournemouth striker Junior Kroupi, but the French youngster’s pre-season injury means they are reportedly shelving a pursuit until next year. That hasn’t ruled out the possibility of a new centre-forward arriving in North London, with question marks over Dominic Solanke and Richarlison.

Mateta Is The Answer For Tottenham

via Reuters

Tottenham could and should turn to Crystal Palace frontman Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has just a year remaining on his contract. The Frenchman has shown throughout his time with the Eagles that he can be relied upon to lead the line effectively.

Mateta has become a hero at Selhurst Park after scoring the winner in the Eagles’ UEFA Conference League final win over Rayo Vallecano. He made amends with fans after pushing to leave the club in January before failing a medical with AC Milan ahead of a proposed £35 million switch.

While the 29-year-old is back on good terms with the South Londoners’ supporters, there’s no indication that he’ll be extending his contract. This could pave the way for Spurs to make a move for the experienced forward and potentially allow them to plot a move for Kroupi further down the line.

Stats courtesy of StatMuse – correct as of 10/08/2026

Mateta joined Palace from Bundesliga outfit Mainz in January 2022 and, after a slow start, has become a talisman for the Eagles. He is a popular figure at Selhurst Park due to his bubbly personality, which could be a good fit for this Spurs side.

A Short-Term Fix Well Worth Making

While the prospect of signing a young, exciting talent like Kroupi had been appealing, Spurs need a reliable goalscorer who can come straight into De Zerbi’s team and make an impact. Mateta is the ideal solution given his Premier League experience and consistency in front of goal.

Mateta has become one of the most highly-regarded strikers in English football and earned huge praise from Wayne Rooney a year ago. The Manchester United legend was surprised at the lack of interest when speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:

Manchester United were linked with Mateta earlier this summer but haven’t made a concrete move for the Palace star. There were suggestions that Steve Parish and his board could sanction a transfer for just £25 million.

If Mateta is available for that price, it would make sense for Spurs to be circling for his signature, as it would not only allow them to strengthen their frontline before planning for Kroupi next year. They can also continue to pursue deals for Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Manchester City’s Savinho.

Tottenham transfer targets

Spurs kick their season off against Brentford on August 22nd, and while De Zerbi has undoubtedly improved his squad, a new number nine feels the missing piece of the puzzle. Mateta might be a short-term fix, but one that can fire the Lilywhites back to Europe.