Andoni Iraola is Liverpool's new manager.
Most people expected Arne Slot to be the man in charge of the Reds with the Dutchman even hiring a former member of his team from Feyenoord before being relieved of his duties.
During his first season, Slot was fairly impressive as Liverpool's manager as he managed to bring the Premier League title back to Anfield.
And, after spending over £450 million in the summer, he was expected to guide his team to another easy title win.
This has been far from the case with Iraola and Richard Hughes having another rebuild on their hands just a season after breaking the British transfer record for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Several players have already been mooted to be of interest to Liverpool with the club being handed a major boost in their pursuit of one target.
Rafael Leao has been one of AC Milan's best players over the last few years.
The Portugal international joined the Serie A giants from Lille back in 2019 and has contributed to 145 goals during the 291 games he's played.
Admittedly, his 2025-26 campaign hasn't been the greatest as he's only contributed to 13 goals but, the fact he's only 26 years old means that he has plenty of time to grow into an even better player than he already is.
And, despite being a regular starter for Milan, the attacker has shared that he wants to exit the San Siro this summer with Fabrizio Romano confirming where Leao sees his future heading.
"One player you absolutely need to keep your eyes on is Rafael Leão. The Portuguese winger has essentially announced to the entire world that he wants out, viewing his cycle at AC Milan as completely over," he wrote.
"Those close to Rafa are stunned by the timing; he took it upon himself to give not one, but two public interviews to make his stance crystal clear, despite not having any imminent agreement or contract ready with another club.
"In normal transfer dynamics, a player only burns bridges publicly like this if a deal with a new team is already locked in. Instead, Leão is going completely all-in on a personal choice, without any advisors pulling the strings behind his back.
"He simply believes that the conditions to succeed at Milan no longer exist. He wants out, period.
"So far, the only concrete calls have come from Turkey: timid inquiries, though the financial figures mentioned are still substantial. However, Leão’s dream is the Premier League or La Liga."
One area that Liverpool have massively struggled in this season is their attack.
Even though Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Wirtz were all signed to bolster their ranks, it feels like they were better off last term.
Cody Gakpo's poor form hasn't helped matters much either with 17-yera-old Rio Ngumoha being one of the only shining lights among Slot's attack last term.
And, now that Anthony Gordon has joined Barcelona, the Reds' options for versatile forwards are becoming slimmer by the day.
Leao's poor form this season may have driven his price down a bit which could massively benefit Liverpool.
But, it does mean that the Anfield outfit would be risking his performance levels staying at that standard which would be far from ideal.
The Portugal international can comfortably play as a left-winger or a striker and, if Iraola lines Liverpool up the same way that he did Bournemouth, attackers who can interchange with one another will be essential.



