---
title: "‘Prefer other options’ – Andoni Iraola’s comments prove midfielder’s Liverpool career is over"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/prefer-other-options-andoni-iraolas-comments-prove-midfielders-liverpool-career-is-over/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-08-27T13:03:06Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T13:13:47Z"
---

# ‘Prefer other options’ – Andoni Iraola’s comments prove midfielder’s Liverpool career is over

**Liverpool are set to be active in the transfer market before the deadline and have a lot of work to do to fine-tune their squad.**

A deal has been agreed to bring [Bradley Barcola](https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/acceleration-fabrizio-romano-confirms-big-bradley-barcola-to-liverpool-update/) to Anfield, with the Frenchman expected to do his medical later in the week.

In terms of outgoings, Cody Gakpo has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, while there are a handful of players on the fringes of the squad who could be moved on.

And now, [Andoni Iraola](https://readliverpoolfc.com/tag/andoni-iraola/)‘s comments on [Harvey Elliott](https://readliverpoolfc.com/tag/harvey-elliott/) prove that he has no long-term future at Anfield.

## Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool career appears to be over

The Spaniard confirms that Elliott was left out of the squad against Newcastle United simply because he preferred better options, while Federico Chiesa is injured.

“Fede is not available, in the game against Como he felt something in his back. With Harvey and some of the players, I can only choose 20.

“Harvey is trying and improving every week but I still prefer other options, about the balance on the bench.

> Napoli and Lazio are among several clubs interested in Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott before next week’s transfer deadline. [#LFC](https://x.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Napoli](https://x.com/hashtag/Napoli?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Lazio](https://x.com/hashtag/Lazio?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/PrRbQmmbyI](https://t.co/PrRbQmmbyI)
>
> — Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) [August 26, 2026](https://x.com/SportsPeteO/status/2092731223755886681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“That’s why James McConnell was in the squad, but it’s now another new week and new chances for everyone. They have to keep that mentality!”

The Englishman’s career has stagnated in recent weeks and he is someone who will be allowed to leave if suitable offers arrive before the deadline.