Andoni Iraola has barely settled into life at Anfield, yet the new Liverpool boss could already be looking to bring some familiar faces with him.
After transforming Bournemouth into one of the Premier League's most exciting sides, Iraola knows exactly which players fit his demanding style and may be tempted to raid his former club as he begins building a title-challenging squad.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, are preparing for their first taste of European football and will be desperate to keep hold of their key stars.
However, experience suggests that may prove easier said than done. The Cherries have become accustomed to bigger clubs circling their standout performers, and this summer appears no different.
Alex Scott, Junior Eli Kroupi, Rayan, Tyler Adams and Adrien Truffert have all been linked with moves to some of the Premier League's elite clubs. With Iraola now at Liverpool and already familiar with their strengths, speculation is inevitable. The question is whether these Bournemouth stars will be good enough or fit into Liverpool.
Alex Scott
Iraola's 4-2-3-1 system demands energy, intensity and intelligence from his double pivot, making Alex Scott a natural fit.
The Bournemouth midfielder has already shown his ability to drive the ball forward and break lines, while a partnership alongside Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister would give Liverpool greater control in midfield and added protection for the defence.
While there is still room for improvement in his passing at the highest level, the 22-year-old has all the attributes to develop into a top-class midfielder.
His ceiling is arguably higher than Adam Wharton's, yet he would likely cost significantly less than the £100 million valuation attached to the Crystal Palace star. A fee in the region of £70 million could prove a smart long-term investment, particularly with the prospect of linking up with Florian Wirtz in Liverpool's midfield for future years.
Verdict: Sign him for the first-team.
Adrien Truffert
The French left-back arrived as the man tasked with replacing Milos Kerkez, and he has settled seamlessly into life at Bournemouth.
His performances have quickly eased concerns over Kerkez's departure, with supporters barely feeling the loss of one of their former standout players.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will be wary of creating another void at left-back. With Andy Robertson's departure marking the end of an era, the club are likely to give Kerkez the time and patience needed to establish himself rather than immediately searching for another replacement.
Verdict: Don’t make the signing
Junior Eli Kroupi
A genuine superstar has emerged from the French second tier and adapted to the Premier League with remarkable ease, becoming the teenager with the second-highest number of goal contributions across Europe's top five leagues.
His rapid rise has inevitably attracted interest from some of the continent's biggest clubs, meaning any potential transfer would require a significant fee.
Despite that attention, a move to Liverpool this summer appears unlikely. At just 19, regular first-team football remains crucial to his development, and staying put could be the smartest step in his progression.
Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG have all been credited with interest and could make their move, but with the likes of Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike already commanding major roles there is little incentive to rush into a move before he has fully established himself at the highest level.
Verdict: Monitor for a year then make a move
Rayan
Rayan arrived in the Premier League with the difficult task of replacing Antoine Semenyo's influence, yet the Brazilian has taken to the challenge with ease.
His impressive six months has even earned him a place in Brazil's World Cup squad, further underlining his rapid rise. Bournemouth's recruitment team continue to work wonders, and it almost feels inevitable that any player they sign soon finds himself linked with a move elsewhere.
With a reported £85 million release clause set to become active next summer, the Cherries may have at least another season to enjoy his talents. Liverpool and other elite clubs are already monitoring his progress, but potential suitors could prefer to wait and see how he develops over the next 12 months before deciding whether he is the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah.
Verdict: Wait until the relase clause comes into effect
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