Why English striker could become Iraola’s new Kroupi at Liverpool

It’s all quiet on the transfer front for Liverpool, but Andoni Iraola expects to welcome a number of further first-team signings to his side by the close of the summer transfer window.

The Spanish coach inherits a talented squad, laden with title winners and big-money superstars. But bringing all the ingredients together is another question, and one aggravated by Hugo Ekitike‘s long-term injury and the departure of Mohamed Salah at the end of his contract two weeks ago.

There are a number of variables to consider: Victor Munoz has already been signed to balance out the left side of the Reds frontline, and Alexander Isak will be expected to bounce back to world-class form after an injury-hit first year on Merseyside.

But Liverpool still need to add more firepower to their squad, and time is ticking this summer.

How Liverpool are planning to strength their frontline

It should go without saying that Salah needs replacing this summer, and while noise continues to boom around Bradley Barcola, the French winger is not a natural right-sider, so whether spending £128m on him would be the best track may well be open to debate.

One thing is clear: Iraola wants fast and fit players who are willing to press forward and take risks, rekindling the flame of excitement that flickered out at Anfield last season.

Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh has emerged as a top target for the Anfield side, but the £80m-rated winger would not answer the No. 9 conundrum that Iraola is bound to have wrestled with over the past month.

Isak is one injury away from limiting Liverpool’s central striking options – perhaps detrimentally. Do the Reds have the time and the resources to target such a foil this summer?

They have been among the myriad of elite Premier League outfits expressing interest in Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, and perhaps they have the edge, with the £90m-rated striker playing under Iraola last year.

Perhaps not, but Iraola may find a ready-made option in Liverpool’s youth ranks, someone who can emulate Kroupi under the Spaniard’s management.

Liverpool already have their own Kroupi

The 20-year-old Kroupi scored 13 goals in the Premier League last season. He only missed three big chances, and he has established himself as a potential superstar.

Liverpool would love to have the dynamic attacker in their ranks, but at £90m, it might be a touch steep, especially when Iraola has a teenage sensation waiting to make the giant leap forward.

Indeed, Liverpool may fancy their chances of unleashing their own version next season in 18-year-old Will Wright, with some online discussions suggesting that he could be the next Michael Owen.

“Obviously hope to go on tour maybe, get some minutes and show the fans what I’m about. Then long-term plans, hopefully just play for Liverpool and become the No.9,” Wright said in a recent interview, claiming that he wants a shot over the pre-season phase to show the new coach what he is about.

A year ago, Wright completed a £200k move from Salford City to Anfield, and he has already outlined lofty ambitions at the club, setting his sights on cementing himself as Liverpool’s No. 9 in the future.

Already standing at 6 foot 4, the 18-year-old has scored six goals and supplied five assists across 16 matches in the U21 Premier League for Liverpool, and his natural-born finishing instinct could set him up to play a similar role as Kroupi did for Iraola, perhaps not from the get-go, but maybe deeper into the 2026/27 campaign.

Hailed as a “great finisher” by Liverpool journalist Bence Boscak, Wright does have an innate power in front of goal, and his rangy frame and his physicality could see him challenge the likes of Isak for a starting berth, perhaps snatching at the chances that come his way.

Kroupi is a top talent, but he probably costs too much for Liverpool this summer, what with so many other creases to iron out over the next few months.

Perhaps this is a good omen as far as Wright is concerned. He must be let off the leash when the right situation arises next season. He might just surprise a few with his prodigious potential.