Neville warns Liverpool that bizarre recruitment leaves Iraola exposed

Gary Neville has blasted Liverpool for leaving manager Andoni Iraola with an uncompetitive squad after a ‘bizarre’ summer, warning that the Reds may lose Cody Gakpo to Manchester City for £85 million while they have already drawn 2‑2 with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest this August.

Defensive recruitment gaps

Neville said the club has failed to sign a full‑back and a holding midfielder, a shortcoming that will see them concede a lot. He added, “When your main opponents are looking to take him off you, I always think that is a bit of a worry.” He criticised the current wing‑backs Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong as ideal for a back five but not for a traditional four.

Liverpool have tried to address the centre‑back shortage by paying £60 million for Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes and securing Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona. Yet the only recognised full‑back options are Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas, neither of whom are noted for defensive solidity.

Up front, the Reds are set to add Bradley Barcola for £123 million from Paris Saint‑Germain and have already bought Victor Munoz for £34 million from Osasuna. However, they have not truly replaced Fabinho in the No 6 role, leaving the holding midfield position vacant.

Man City chase Cody Gakpo while Liverpool weigh a crucial winger exit

Transfer activity and looming sale

Neville expressed disbelief that Liverpool might sell Cody Gakpo to rivals Manchester City for £85 million. He described the prospect as “bizarre” and warned it would strip the Reds of their best forward.

The former player argued that Andoni Iraola should be “demanding” more signings from the hierarchy within the next 48 hours. He suggested that adding a defensive midfielder and two quality full‑backs would give the club a real chance.

Until Liverpool fill those defensive gaps, Neville believes they will continue to concede heavily, as seen in the two 2‑2 draws against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest. The window to secure the required full‑backs and a holding midfielder narrows, and any delay could see the Reds fall further behind their rivals.