4 free agents Liverpool can target including UCL winner and prolific forward

Andoni Iraola is looking to reshape Liverpool's squad ahead of his debut season and their return to the Champions League, with several top-class free agents now available

The race to sign soccer's most coveted free agents has officially begun.

Whether a player deliberately sought free agency or simply wasn't handed a new deal by their club, there's an array of elite talent on offer without needing to fork out a transfer fee. Andoni Iraola has taken charge at Liverpool and has already completed his first summer signing, securing Victor Munoz. The Spanish manager will no doubt be eager to bolster his squad over the coming weeks.

The 43-year-old's philosophy represents a significant shift from Arne Slot's tactics, and he'll aim to shape his players to maximize their abilities. With his maiden Champions League campaign looming, Iraola will certainly receive backing in the transfer market — although there are also some astute acquisitions to be made amongst the free agents.

There are obvious deficiencies in Liverpool's roster, especially following the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, and Ibrahima Konate. Rebuilding the forward line remains the highest priority, while the backline and engine room also require reinforcement. Here are four elite players who became available on Wednesday.

Julian Brandt

Well-known to numerous Liverpool fans as the player Jurgen Klopp had targeted before being persuaded to sign Mohamed Salah instead, Julian Brandt is available on a free transfer after concluding his seven-year spell at Borussia Dortmund.

The 29-year-old, capable of operating as both an attacking midfielder and a wide player, could provide vital flexibility in forward positions for Iraola with Salah unavailable and Chiesa potentially leaving the club.

Boasting 12 years' experience in the Bundesliga and more than 80 Champions League outings, Brandt's combination of expertise and ability ensures he'll attract plenty of interest, with Leeds said to be considering a swoop for the playmaker.

Dani Carvajal

The Spanish defender's illustrious Real Madrid spell, encompassing over 450 matches and six Champions League titles, has come to an end.

The 34-year-old is undeniably approaching the twilight of his career, yet the dedication and winning mindset that sustained him throughout 13 years in the intense environment of the Santiago Bernabeu remain evident. A right-back may feature amongst Iraola's targets this summer, considering the injury worries surrounding Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong.

While Trent Alexander-Arnold departed Anfield for the Spanish capital, one of Madrid's most celebrated players could complete the opposite journey.

Leon Goretzka

Another individual previously linked with a move to Liverpool, the German could ultimately choose to sign for the Reds. After eight years and 17 major honors won with Bayern Munich, Goretzka is now available without a transfer fee. The 31-year-old is fresh from a World Cup exit following his nation's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay and will be weighing up his next move.

Never having plied his trade beyond his homeland of Germany, he has previously spoken openly about his ambition to test himself in a different league. He said: "Maybe it's my last chance to go abroad. I really want to play truly competitive football again. We'll see what opportunities come up. I'm completely relaxed about it. I'll just let it all happen."

Dusan Vlahovic

The Serbian forward's four-and-a-half-year spell at Juventus produced a respectable return of 68 goals across 168 outings, although he never quite captured the imagination during his period in Turin. With contract negotiations having broken down, the 26-year-old stands ready for a new chapter with his prime years likely still to come.

The Reds currently have Alexander Isak as their only available striker, while Hugo Ekitike is expected to be out of action for the first part of the season. Securing Vlahovic's signature could represent shrewd recruitment, although the forward is unlikely to be short of suitors, with clubs including Barcelona and Besiktas also said to be monitoring his situation.

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