Alan Shearer has backed Andoni Iraola to raid former club Bournemouth for two players following his appointment at Liverpool. The Premier League record goalscorer believes the new Liverpool manager could beat Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United to sign Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott.
Iraola's Liverpool Appointment
Iraola, 43, emerged as Liverpool's top managerial target after the club decided to sack Arne Slot last month. Liverpool initially stuck by the title-winning boss despite a difficult campaign but opted for a change after an end-of-season review. Iraola enjoyed three strong years at Bournemouth, leading the Cherries into Europe last season with an impressive sixth-place finish.
Liverpool spent almost £500 million on new players last summer, but Iraola is believed to want to bolster his squad further during the upcoming window and bring in his own signings.
Shearer's Transfer Predictions
Shearer said: "I can see Bournemouth players following Andoni Iraola to Liverpool. I totally understand why bigger clubs will be looking at their players because of their outstanding performances, particularly last season, though I guess Bournemouth fans will hate to hear this."
He added: "Their recruitment at Bournemouth has been off the charts, so it is no surprise some of their players are being linked with big football clubs. That's a great credit to them for the job they've done in getting those players there."
Shearer specifically highlighted Kroupi and Scott: "I said months ago that the two players I would pick out of that team would be Kroupi Junior and Alex Scott. I think they've been absolutely outstanding this season for Bournemouth, so it wouldn't be a surprise to me at all if they were to go this summer."
Transfer Targets and Valuations
Kroupi has attracted interest from Premier League champions Arsenal and Chelsea after a superb season in which he scored 13 goals. Bournemouth's initial asking price for Kroupi is around 100 million euros (£86 million). The Cherries have reportedly set a similar price on 22-year-old Scott, who Manchester United have been linked with as they look to bolster midfield options.
Shearer's View on Iraola
Rating Liverpool's appointment, Shearer said: "Judging by Iraola's performance at Bournemouth and the job he's done there, it looks a good appointment. But you're going a million miles up from Bournemouth to Liverpool in terms of the size of the football club. Liverpool is one of, if not the biggest club in the world in terms of scrutiny, how you have to play, and what you have to achieve. That's always a gamble for someone who has not managed at that level."
He continued: "He deserves the opportunity because he's been absolutely outstanding at Bournemouth. Their recruitment has been on another level, and their performances, particularly this season, have been absolutely superb. He deserves a shot at a big job, and this is one of, if not the biggest. It'll be fascinating to see how he gets on."
Iraola previously managed Spanish sides Rayo Vallecano and Mirandes, as well as Cypriot outfit AEK Larnaca, before his successful stint at Bournemouth.
