In recent years, Liverpool have made a habit of dealing with Bournemouth, with several players heading in both directions and most recently Andoni Iraola as the Reds’ new managerial appointment.

Back in 2016, Brad Smith completed his move to the Cherries on the 27th of July, making him the 4th player to ever move between the two clubs. Smith’s transfer to the South Coast was worth £3 million, moving just thirteen days after Jordon Ibe completed the same move.

Despite never establishing himself as a regular at Anfield, Smith achieved 11 appearances for the club, scoring once and contributing two assists. The majority of his appearances came under Jurgen Klopp, who included him in ten matches, including his final appearance against West Brom during a 1-1 draw in May 2016.

Now back in Australia, Smith spoke to Dan about his Liverpool journey, career and life after the Reds for an exclusive interview…

On coming through the Academy

Born in Sydney, Brad Smith moved to Liverpool at the age of 14, where he would move up the youth set-up. The former Liverpool defender reminisced about how willing his parents were to support the development of his talent. His family funded their move across the world by selling their home and business. Unknowingly, this sacrifice led to many Premier League teams, including Liverpool, scouting him whilst he was playing for TFI who toured across Europe. Brad acknowledged that he “didn’t think he was able to do it” if it wasn’t for the support from his family.

When considering which side to sign for, Smith described the opportunity to sign for the Reds as”everyone’s dream to be a part of that.” The full-back also recognised the Australian ties with the club, players such as Harry Kewell and Dean Bouzanis but ultimately his view that Liverpool was the “biggest club in the world” swayed him.

Whilst developing at the Academy, Smith characterised the coaches Michael Beale and Alex Inglethorpe as “great managers” and “great people to have around the place.”

Brad’s first involvement with the senior squad was during the North American tours back in 2012, an experience as a teenager he calls it as “great exposure for kids to feel at home with these superstars.” He also named these pre-season tours as “the beginning of careers” for some of the kids.

Receiving his first call-up to train at Melwood remains one of Smith’s strongest memories. He described the experience as “special”, praising senior players such as Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher for making young academy players feel “so comfortable” amongst the other seniors.
During the new wave of senior players, Smith called the standards “high” because of the influence from players like Milner, who he dubbed a “special player”.

In addition to the influence from leaders in the squad, the Australian admitted that advice from fellow left-backs Jose Enrique and Alberto Moreno, whom he named both “top people” who always tried to “teach him little things”, helped him on his journey. The Australian recognised that this welcoming attitude is not synonymous with every football club, as the two were essentially “training someone to take their job”.

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The importance of the Academy

Brad described being a local lad as a “different” experience going through the Academy whilst also stressing the well-managed manner the club approaches the kids with. He states that the club reliably “gives kids a chance” but also “moves them on at the right time”. The defender related this approach to himself and Jordon Ibe, who were both sold to Bournemouth, saying the club knows when it is the “best time” for players to move on.

On making his LFC debut

Brad made his debut for Liverpool coming on from the bench against Chelsea for just over half an hour. Brad was unable to alter the scoreline as it would end 2-1. Looking back on this experience, Smith believed that he was “not ready to play that game” and, upon reflecting on the day, he said that “you could see it”. The Australian international believed that Brendan Rodgers could have managed the situation differently, stating that it is “difficult for any kid to be thrown in like that” and expressed that “personally it was not the right place to do it”. Despite all this, Smith was still “thrilled and privileged to be on the field”, but wished the Northern Irishman could have opted for an approach similar to Klopp to ease him in with “cup competitions”. Prior to his debut, Brad had spent ten months sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. This would be the player’s last appearance under Rodgers, as he would be sent out on loan to Swindon, where he would play ten times before returning for the start of the new season.

On Jurgen Klopp

Prior to Jurgen’s arrival at the club, it appeared as if Brad would part ways with the Reds as a result of a contract dispute, but the arrival of the German changed his fate. A contract was agreed, and within a couple of weeks, the defender was training with the first team.

When working with Klopp, Smith credited the German’s man-management skills as the biggest reason behind his success, naming him “the best there is” at it. The former Liverpool manager was “a really good human”, he said, who was able to create an environment that made young players feel “so comfortable” from the moment they entered the first-team dressing room. Smith also hinted at Klopp’s cut-throat approach towards certain characters like Balotelli, who he recalled as a “different” personality to others who wouldn’t be able to “fit his style”.

Brad would go on to make his full debut under Klopp as well as achieving his first goal and two assists at the club against Exeter and Southampton respectively in the FA Cup and the League Cup. During his full debut against FC Sion in the Europa League, Smith mirrored the ideal situation to his first team debut against Chelsea, calling Klopp’s approach “the way to do it”.

When playing against Southampton, the Australian would go on to assist Divock Origi with an incredible cross, the game ending 6-1 following his introduction at 5-0.

Smith’s only goal for the Reds came against Exeter City in the FA Cup. This goal forced a replay which Liverpool would go on to ultimately win. Brad described this moment as “the highlight of his career for his dream club”.

The second leg would result in Brad’s Anfield debut, an occasion “in front of the best fans in the world”. He also named You’ll Never Walk Alone as “indescribable”, something which just “gives you goosebumps” as it rings around the ground. During the match, the left-back would assist Joe Allen to help the side progress through the cup competition.

Upon reflecting on his time with Liverpool, Smith called it a “special time” as he was able to grow up “through the Academy”, giving him a “different experience” compared to someone who would be signed.

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Time away from the club

Before leaving to complete his move to the South Coast, Smith described Klopp’s “brilliant” manner with him, which set him off to the Vitality. In his one and a half years at the Cherries, the left-back made eleven appearances, a number which Brad felt was unfair, stating that he felt he never got the “opportunities that he deserved.” From there, Smith would move to the MLS on a season-long loan in August 2018 before signing permanently in 2020 after the expiration of his contract.

Smith admitted that initially, the move to America made him “hesitant” but he decided to prioritise “gaining experience”. At Seattle Sounders, he won the MLS Cup in 2019 in front of 70,000 people, fans who he named “the best fanbase in the league.”

However, his brief spell on loan in the Championship was not as successful. Smith confessed that the division’s direct style of football simply “wasn’t for me”, prompting a return to Seattle.

Brad described the rapid development regarding the standard of football in the States as “exponential” when compared to the start of his time there to the conclusion of his time in America when he left FC Cincinnati as a free agent. However, Smith thought that the investment of money into the league could lead towards “weeding out the American kids”. Internationally, Smith has made 23 caps for Australia, his first cap coming while at Liverpool.

By Harry Yates

Curtis Jones’ Liverpool future has taken another twist after Andoni Iraola publicly outlined his admiration for the midfielder during his first press conference as Liverpool head coach. 

Jones has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield throughout the summer as he enters the final year of his contract. Inter Milan have emerged as the leading contenders for his signature, with reports in Italy suggesting the Serie A giants remain determined to bring the Liverpool academy graduate to San Siro.

However, Iraola’s comments on Monday offered a contrasting picture…

The new manager made his admiration for Jones clear to the press, saying he hopes to work with Jones for “not only a year” but “more time”, suggesting Iraola sees Jones as part of his long-term plans. With Jones now entering the final year of his deal, Liverpool face a decision between agreeing a new contract or risking losing another academy graduate for a reduced fee or as a free agent next summer.

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Iraola also recognised the importance of Jones’ personal connection with the club, stating that “it’s very important that he’s Scouse, that he’s from here.” Those comments suggest Liverpool’s new head coach values not only the midfielder’s qualities on the pitch but also his understanding of the club’s culture at a time when his future remains uncertain. The Liverpool-born midfielder progressed through the club’s academy before making his senior debut in 2019 and has remained a regular part of the first-team squad ever since. Jones has made 228 appearances for his local side and Iraola hopes to add plenty to this tally.

While speculation has continued to grow throughout the summer, Liverpool’s new manager appears eager to retain a player who not only understands the club’s identity but also possesses qualities that suit his style of play. His versatility could also be a factor in Iraola’s appreciation for the player. Last season, the 25-year-old demonstrated his versatility as he appeared in midfield whilst also featuring at full-back and on the wing.

However, these claims have done little to cool interest from Italy. Italian journalist Daniele Mari reports that Jones is “waiting for Inter”, with the Serie A side reportedly “determined at all costs” to complete a deal. 

Ben Jacobs has now reported that Inter Milan have had a €32 million bid rejected by Liverpool. Jacobs writes that Inter’s first bid of €25 million was considered “derisory” and the second bid was also dismissed. It is clear that Jones will only depart from Liverpool if their valuation of €40 million is met. 

As things stand, Jones is expected to travel on Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States. However, with Inter Milan still pursuing the midfielder, his future could remain one of the club’s key transfer stories throughout the remainder of the window.

What Manu Koné Could Bring To Iraola’s Liverpool | The Deep Dive

Manu Kone

After a fantastic World Cup campaign, both Liverpool and Manchester United are interested in the France international and Roma midfielder Manu Koné. 

Liverpool have tracked the 25-year-old since his Borussia Mönchengladbach days. The Reds explored a move in 2023 but instead opted to sign Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo. 

Koné has continued to develop since arriving in Italy and enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign, further strengthening his reputation as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders. Comfortable both in and out of possession, the 25-year-old combines aggressive ball-winning with the ability to carry possession through midfield—qualities that could suit Andoni Iraola’s high-intensity style of play. 

Furthermore, uncertainty surrounding Mac Allister’s future with the club could force Liverpool to look to strengthen their midfield. Accompanied with rumours linking Curtis Jones away from the club, Koné’s profile appears to fit the physical and tactical demands of Iraola’s system, making him a strong fit to complement already established players at the club.

Speaking to news outlet Sports Witness, Gasperini subtly confirmed his future will be away from Roma, stating that “Roma also need to balance the books, which have been burdensome in recent years.” These comments have fueled speculation that AS Roma will have to sell one of their most valuable players, a category that Manu would fall into. 

Koné has also received praise from former France international and Premier League winner Patrick Vieira. Vieira described him as “the best midfielder in France”, praising his mobility, ball-winning ability and capacity to break opposition lines. 

As things stand, Liverpool’s interest remains speculative, and no formal approach has been confirmed. However, with the club’s long-standing admiration for Koné and Roma’s reported need to generate funds, the conditions for a potential move appear stronger than they have been in previous transfer windows. 

REDMEN REACTS

Although it’s far from definite that Liverpool will act in the midfield department, previous interest in both Gomes and Koné means that they both present wholly viable options, particularly given their respective low asking prices. 

The futures of Jones and Alexis Mac Allister feel uncertain, whilst Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Stefan Bajcetic are expected to move on either on loan or a permanent basis; therefore, at least one midfield addition could well be a necessity. 

With a large outlay expected in the attacking areas and defensive reinforcements also likely, Gomes and Kone could end up being the preferred midfield solution. 

Curtis Jones rejected all on social media about his move to Nottingham Forest ahead of Liverpool’s return to pre-season with Andoni Iraola at Liverpool.

All summer, Jones has been subject to speculation as a result of his contract, which expires at the end of the season. This has included rumours of Inter Milan, Aston Villa and Forest all attempting to sign the 25-year-old from Liverpool on a reduced fee. Ben Jacobs took to X on Sunday night to report Inter Milan’s consideration of ‘a new bid’ despite their failure to reach an agreement on a deal. Inter opened the bidding at €25 million, which Liverpool instantly rejected. Jacobs added that Liverpool are ‘prepared to keep Jones if their €40 million valuation isn’t met from any club, with the possibility of a new deal if he remains at the club following the summer window ‘.

Responding to Anfield Watch’s post on Instagram, Jones appeared equally surprised at the breaking news as the account, replying with a confused-face emoji.

As Jones’ contract enters its final year, it appears as if the club are finally learning from their previous failings regarding the contract situations within the club. Due to their previous reluctance to sell talented players earlier, like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ibrahima Konate one year earlier for a higher fee, they both left the club for Real Madrid for very little.

For a period, it appeared inevitable that Jones would sign for the Serie A holders and one-time Champions League winners, Inter Milan, but the club remains firm in their position; they will only sell for their asking price. Following his omission from England’s World Cup squad, Jones’ limited playing time for Liverpool may push him further out the door. The academy graduate started only 18 games in the league last season, and at his age he may see this move to Italy as his chance to establish himself within one of Europe’s elite clubs after seven years as a backup for both Slot and Klopp. If Iraola envisions a different place in the squad for Jones, his future may change at this club.

“Jurgen Klopp Slapped Me Around the Head!” ???? Brad Smith Tells Hilarious Passport Story!

Cody Gakpo’s Liverpool future remains uncertain despite Tottenham interest

Cody Gakpo’s future at Liverpool has once again become the subject of transfer speculation, but the latest reports suggest the club are in no rush to part ways with the Dutch international. Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Gakpo is one of Tottenham’s priority targets for the left-wing position alongside Manchester City’s Savinho. Despite these reports, Romano also said that Liverpool are not ‘opening the doors to an exit’, suggesting his time at Liverpool will continue for at least one more campaign.

Roberto De Zerbi’s new side have invested heavily after narrowly missing relegation for the second consecutive year, signing Sandro Tonali for £100 million alongside Mateus Fernandes, Jan Paul Van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and former Red Andrew Robertson, demonstrating their willingness to spend if the right opportunity becomes available.

Ben Jacobs has also linked Gakpo with Manchester United, highlighting their long-standing interest in the 27-year-old amid all these rumours. United’s interest dates back to the winter of 2022 when United explored the possibility of securing the Dutchman on their left wing, but Liverpool swept in to sign him for £37 million.

Regardless, with the exception of Luis Diaz, Liverpool do not typically sanction an exit without plans for a replacement. The Reds are yet to find a successor for Mohamed Salah on the right, whilst Hugo Ekitike’s long-term injury leaves the squad with reduced options up front.

Gakpo himself remains an important member of the first-team squad. Although he has faced criticism for inconsistent performances at times, his versatility across the front line continues to make him a valuable option. Comfortable on the left and capable of operating through the middle, the Netherlands international offers tactical flexibility that few players in the squad can replicate and following a solid tournament in the World Cup, Gakpo will be hoping to replicate his performances for Andoni Iraola.

At present, Cody Gakpo will rejoin the team during their pre-season tour in the US later this month following the Netherlands’ exit from the World Cup, where they bowed out in the round of 32, losing to Morocco on penalties.

Could Eduardo Camavinga Be Liverpool’s Next BIG Signing?

Liverpool monitoring Wolves midfielder João Gomes

Reports from Brazil suggest Liverpool are interested in the Brazilian international amid speculation around the futures of midfielders Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni.

The 25-year-old was expected to move to Atletico Madrid following Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League last season before a falling out with agent Jorge Mendes saw the deal collapse.

The proposed deal was worth a reported £34 million before negotiations collapsed. Now Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reports that Liverpool, alongside Premier League rivals Manchester United, have both made contact with Wolves regarding Gomes. Alongside this report, ESPN’s Felipe Silva has reported that Liverpool are ‘looking’ at Gomes when replying to a comment on X. If Liverpool wish to pursue this deal, it could save funds for deals across the pitch that are needed to help fulfil Iraola’s vision for the club.

Last season, Gomes was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Wolves side that saw them destined for relegation, and his performances did not go unnoticed by the fans and his teammates. Gomes was awarded Wolves’ best player of the season by both.

Gomes was also previously interested in a move to Merseyside, telling ESPN in 2022 whilst playing for Flamengo, ‘Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play.’ Subsequently, Gomes moved to Wolves, where he has made 130 appearances, averaging a 7.0 match rating in three of his four seasons at Molineux on FotMob.

Cherries reunion imminent at Anfield?

Just a year after joining Paris Saint-Germain, Ilya Zabaryni may already be on the move away from the French capital following tensions within the dressing room. Reports suggest PSG have sought to minimise tensions within the dressing room following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine between the defender and goalkeeper Matvey Safonov. The two intentionally avoid handshakes and physical contact in training whilst maintaining a strictly professional, cold relationship. Speaking to the press in September, Zabarnyi named the Russians as the “aggressors”, a label the Russian goalkeeper refused to comment on publicly.

This has created an opportunity for clubs across Europe and one which Liverpool are currently exploring, with talks beginning over a potential move. Rumours began to circulate when DaveOCKOP first reported that a proposal was made with his representatives. During this, Dave reported that the Ukrainian would be “open to a move away from Paris”, despite Marquinhos’ age, which would offer a pathway into the European champions’ side.

Reportedly, Liverpool have offered a loan arrangement with the option to buy the 23-year-old for a price between €40-45 million. Understandably, PSG would prefer not to let the defender go for less than the €63 million they purchased him for, just twelve months after signing him. PSG would also opt for a straight permanent transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy at €60 million.

Zabaryni was a crucial part of Andoni’s Bournemouth team, playing 86 times for the Cherries across his two and a half seasons at the club. Alongside Dean Huijsen, the two earned moves to two of Europe’s biggest sides as a result of their fantastic performances, and now Liverpool may be in need of defensive cover; his profile would appear to suit Iraola’s system.

With Iraola himself seeing Geovanni Leoni as a “long-term” solution to our defensive problems and Joe Gomez’s recent injury record, the reliable international would strengthen Liverpool’s defensive depth. Another defender with the same label as Leoni was Conor Bradley, the Northern Ireland captain who has also been injury-stricken throughout his career. Zabaryni himself has also been used as a right back, offering a more defensively conscious right back in place of the attacking-minded full-back Jeremy Frimpong.

Redmen Reacts

Whilst the window has gone somewhat quiet following the Victor Munoz arrival and subsequent Yan Diomande mega bid, Liverpool are undoubtedly still hard at work in order to ensure there are new arrivals for Andoni Iraola to work with, something the Basque manager more or less confirmed himself in his first press conference. 

Therefore, the familiarity of a Zabaryni reunion certainly appeals, as does the midfield steel of Gomes, both far more than the unwarranted departure of Jones. As for Gakpo, albeit somewhat of a disappointment were the Dutch forward to leave this summer, there is undoubtedly a price at which Riches Hughes would allow the exit to happen. 

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola held his first press conference on Monday, where he discussed Liverpool’s transfer plans, tactical philosophy and ambitions ahead of the new season.

The 44-year-old, who hails from the Basque region of Spain, made the switch from Bournemouth to Anfield after Arne Slot was relieved of his duties earlier this summer. 

Despite boasting an impressive track record, Iraola hasn’t yet managed a club of the size of the Reds to date, and this will undoubtedly be the biggest eye-opener for the new boss.

The Andoni Iraola Era Begins! | Redmen Originals Podcast

In what appeared to be a message to the supporters, Iraola stated his wish to create a team which Liverpool supporters could “feel proud of” and “feel comfortable” supporting. He also said that the incredible atmosphere within the ground must first come from “inside the pitch”.

When discussing transfers, Andoni stated that the “club is working hard to get new signings”, suggesting the two already-confirmed signings – Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz – will not be the last arrivals at Kirby. He also told reporters that he has spoken with players that have exited the World Cup, stating he held “good talks” with the players. He also explained how he used his first weeks in the job to “talk with people who work here every day” as they are important for creating “a good environment so our players can perform to the maximum.”

The Spanish coach also expressed his excitement to “experience the city”, and he will not live in a “bubble”, echoing the approach previously taken by Jürgen Klopp, who fully embraced life in the city, even earning the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2022.

Iraola also made it clear his style of play may slightly alter, as he said, “This is Liverpool. We will have to change some things tactically” but the core principles will remain the same, as he admits he was signed because “they [Richard Hughes] want a lot of things that I was doing at other clubs”.
He wishes to remain “as natural as possible.” The former Bournemouth manager also explained that he would “prefer to face a low block” as “we’re in control”. He also revealed that the players “already know what we are going to demand in terms of the style.”

Whilst some people would view an arrival at a new club following a World Cup as a challenge and an early obstacle, Iraola believes it has created a unique opportunity to assess the unknown prodigies as he has “had one week to see the under-21s,” an opportunity which seldom arrives for managers. He also announced that academy players will get “more minutes” as a result than they otherwise would in pre-season with the senior team, describing this period as a good opportunity to find “good information.”

When asked about Harvey Elliott’s future at the club, Andoni said that he will “definitely… have a chance in pre-season”. He also recognised Harvey’s unsuccessful loan spell at Aston Villa, which he believes has only made him “more eager to be a Liverpool player.” Harvey arrived at Kirby one week earlier than scheduled, a decision Iraola viewed as a “good sign.”

The new head coach also outlined his expectations for this season following the departure of “very important players” who have “won everything with the club” whilst also coping with cases of Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni and Hugo Ekitike who will all “miss some time”. He named the three as “long-term solutions” to problems within the squad, but now he says he must find “solutions to this.”

Andoni Iraola’s First Press Conference as Liverpool Head Coach

The Spaniard was also questioned on the difficult work, as last season his Bournemouth side only faced 40 competitive games whilst Liverpool faced 57. In response, he stated that it will be a “big challenge, big change” but it will also act as a “great opportunity for the players” as he will have the “chance to use more players. However, he also highlighted that “we have to get ready in terms of squad depth”, suggesting the Spaniard does not yet feel his squad is fully assembled.

Finally, Iraola also addressed only signing a two-year contract at the club, as unlike other top sides who willingly hand out longer contracts, Iraola agreed to a shorter initial contract than is typically offered by Europe’s biggest clubs. He believes that he has to “earn” the right to stay longer at a club like Liverpool and that generally “contracts don’t matter a lot,” as “we have seen a lot of managers with a long contract and the clubs don’t want them”. He also included his wish to “stay here more years; it would mean that I’ve done a very good job.”

Redmen Reacts – Dan

Whilst it may not have had the power or the soundbites of Jurgen’s first presser as Reds boss, this was a man full of poise, confidence and an inner belief in his philosophies. Lots to like. 

Liverpool return to action against Sunderland on 25th July in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States, where supporters worldwide will get the first glimpse of Iraola’s era.