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Iraola will have the perfect solution to the main problem of

International analysis points to Loïs Openda as a target of opportunity to reinforce Andoni Iraola's Liverpool attack, in a short-term solution on loan, given injuries and possible departures in the offensive sector.

18 July 2026
Iraola will have the perfect solution to the main problem of

Iraola will have the perfect solution to the main problem of

According to Sports.

Context

Loïs Openda, a Belgian striker, is seen as an ideal solution to Liverpool's attacking problems. After a remarkable spell at RC Lens and standout moments at RB Leipzig, Openda has become one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, making him a viable target for a Premier League club looking to revitalize.

Why this matters

Liverpool's current situation, under the direction of Andoni Iraola, highlights the urgent need for reinforcements in attack, especially after the injury to Hugo Ekitike. The lack of offensive options, combined with rumors about the departure of players like Harvey Elliott and Cody Gakpo, puts pressure on the team to find quick solutions. The possible signing of Loïs Openda could be an effective response to revitalizing the Reds' offensive sector and restoring the confidence of the fans.

Main conclusions

  • Iraola will have the perfect solution to the main problem.
  • International analysis points to Loïs Openda as a target of opportunity to reinforce Andoni Iraola's Liverpool attack, in a short-term solution on loan, given injuries and possible departures in the offensive sector.
  • Andoni Iraola now has the perfect solution to Liverpool’s main problem - Yahoo Sports.

Andoni Iraola was thrown into the eye of the storm at Anfield. According to an analysis published by Yahoo Sports, the Spanish coach took over a Liverpool team described as losing its luster after a season below expectations, with part of the fan base disillusioned with the team's recent direction. In the same piece, the finger is pointed at Arne Slot's tactical decisions and heavy reinforcements that did not correspond to the expected impact. Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, hired to give a qualitative leap to the eleven, will not have improved the collective performance; On the contrary, the publication maintains that they ended up creating new dilemmas for the Reds' attack.

The scenario is complicated by the injury to Hugo Ekitike, whose return date is uncertain, leaving the squad short on goal alternatives. At the same time, rumors continue to emerge about the possible departure of offensive players such as Harvey Elliott, Cody Gakpo and Federico Chiesa, which increases the need for immediate responses in the market. Given this situation, Yahoo Sports comes up with a “perfect solution” for Iraola: Loïs Openda.

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The Belgian striker shone at RC Lens and had very positive periods at RB Leipzig, becoming one of the most sought-after strikers on the continent. Still according to the aforementioned analysis, after the 2023/24 season the player's path went in the wrong direction, leading to a move to Juventus, where his production fell short of expectations: two goals in 34 games. Even so, the piece highlights that there is clearly a goalscorer within Openda — no one scores 20+ goals in two consecutive seasons by chance — and that Iraola, who boosted Dominic Solanke at Bournemouth, could reuse that talent.

In addition to his finishing, the Belgian's versatility is highlighted, capable of playing on the wings and in the 9 position, something valuable while Ekitike is away. The text argues, however, that Liverpool should not make a definitive commitment now: the recommended route is a loan, ideally with an option to buy. Openda's speed is seen as a key attribute for the Premier League and for a Liverpool team that last season felt a lack of depth and explosiveness. In this perspective, Karim Adeyemi appears cited as a profile that would also fit, but Openda appears as a market opportunity, especially because, according to Yahoo Sports, there are other English clubs exploring the possibility of receiving him for a season.

In the design advanced by the publication, Isak would be the first option in the axis of Iraola's attack, with Darwin Núñez providing another strong solution, while Openda would guarantee rotation and immediate impact as a “stop-gap” until Ekitike returns. A possible option right could be included to protect the future. In short, the proposal leaves a clear message: to respond to Liverpool's main problem — efficiency and speed in the final third — Loïs Openda's loan would be the safest and most pragmatic bet for the start of the Iraola era at Anfield.

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What happens next

With the transfer window approaching, Liverpool should intensify efforts to secure the signing of Loïs Openda, who stood out at RC Lens and RB Leipzig. Iraola's decision to reinforce the attack could be crucial for the team's recovery in the Premier League, especially if the departure of key players materializes. The expectation is that the club will try to act quickly to avoid further disappointments this season.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Liverpool?

Liverpool are going through a difficult period, with disappointment among fans and a performance below expectations last season.

Who confirmed the need for reinforcements at Liverpool?

Analysis published by Yahoo Sports suggests that coach Andoni Iraola needs immediate solutions due to injuries and possible player departures.

Why is it important to hire Loïs Openda now?

With the injury to Hugo Ekitike and rumors of departures of other attacking players, the need for a goalscorer like Loïs Openda has become urgent for Liverpool.

What tactical changes were mentioned in the article?

The article points out that Arne Slot's tactical decisions and the signing of players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz did not improve Liverpool's performance.

What is Loïs Openda's current situation?

Loïs Openda had a disappointing season at Juventus, but

scoring just two goals in 34 games, but is still considered a promising scorer.

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Perguntas frequentes

O que aconteceu com o Liverpool?

O Liverpool está a passar por um período difícil, com desilusão entre os adeptos e um desempenho abaixo das expectativas na última época.

Quem confirmou a necessidade de reforços no Liverpool?

A análise publicada pelo Yahoo Sports sugere que o treinador Andoni Iraola precisa de soluções imediatas devido a lesões e possíveis saídas de jogadores.

Por que agora é importante contratar Loïs Openda?

Com a lesão de Hugo Ekitike e rumores de saídas de outros jogadores ofensivos, a necessidade de um goleador como Loïs Openda tornou-se urgente para o Liverpool.

Que mudanças táticas foram mencionadas no artigo?

O artigo aponta que decisões tácticas de Arne Slot e a contratação de jogadores como Alexander Isak e Florian Wirtz não melhoraram o desempenho do Liverpool.

Qual é a situação atual de Loïs Openda?

Loïs Openda teve uma época decepcionante na Juventus, marcando apenas dois golos em 34 jogos, mas ainda é considerado um goleador promissor.

What happened in this story?

Iraola terá a solução perfeita para o principal problema do summarizes the main development covered in this report.

Who confirmed this news?

See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.