{
  "id": 16515157,
  "title": "Andoni Iraola has to let Liverpool legend go, it's over",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/25/andoni-iraola-has-to-let-liverpool-legend-go-its-over",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-25T19:40:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/andoni-iraola-let-liverpool-legend-194000677.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Andoni Iraola faces the necessity of releasing a Liverpool legend, signaling the end of an era. Since his appointment at Anfield, Iraola has made significant changes to the team, but the club's progress remains uncertain. With the January transfer window approaching, plans must be made to address key issues. Several players have been linked with moves to Anfield, while others are reportedly leaving the club. After Liverpool's recent match against Villarreal, it seems the fate of some players has already been decided. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's top defender, is expected to see his contract expire without an extension. At 35, Van Dijk is nearing the end of his prime, and his recent poor performances have raised concerns. He made one error, failed to win any tackles, committed two fouls, lost possession 11 times, and had a 60% ground duel success rate. While young defenders like Giovanni Leoni and Ifeanyi Ndukwe could potentially replace him, replacing Van Dijk would be a significant risk.",
  "summary": "Andoni Iraola has already made a decent number of changes at Anfield since his arrival. Some of the performances that Liverpool have put on display have proven how good things could eventually be with...",
  "key_points": [
    "Andoni Iraola must release a Liverpool legend.",
    "Virgil van Dijk's contract expires without extension.",
    "35-year-old Van Dijk's poor performances raise concerns."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}