Liverpool closing on Andoni Iraola’s preferred ‘Kroupi’ profile with Paris Brunner target

# Iraola

Andoni Iraola has started to make his mark at Liverpool beyond match tactics. He's been visible across the club, including attending the women's team game against Everton, and has promoted young players such as Lewis Koumas and Trey Nyoni. The coaching shift has shown in Liverpool's pressing intensity and work-rate compared with the previous regime.

Iraola's system at Bournemouth relied on a particular forward profile not currently regular in Liverpool's squad: a false nine or supporting striker who prefers to arrive in the box to score but also link play. At Bournemouth that player was Eli Junior Kroupi. Liverpool currently lack a clear Kroupi-style option, and recruitment appears focused on filling that role.

# Paris Brunner: the reported target

Liverpool's scouts have taken a close interest in Paris Brunner, the German U21 international who plays for AS Monaco. The reporting notes he has scored six goals for Monaco this season and that Liverpool scouts have attended his matches in person several times — an indication of serious interest.

Brunner is described as operating in the same positions as Kroupi: a supporting striker/no.10 who arrives in the box to score and who links up with teammates. That profile fits the attacking template Iraola used previously and would provide competition and tactical options in the no.10 role at Anfield.

# Squad fit and alternatives

If Liverpool sign Brunner, he would offer Iraola a forward who can occupy the half-spaces and finish moves, rather than a conventional winger or central striker. The club is also keeping an eye on Brunner's Monaco teammate Lamine Camara, but the immediate focus in this report is Brunner as the candidate to offer the specific Kroupi-style contributions Iraola values.

# Practical effects for Liverpool

Brunner's arrival would change selection options in the attacking third. He could be used as:

• A false nine to create central overloads and arrive late in the box
• A supporting striker to rotate with wider forwards and central midfielders
• A competition piece to push existing attackers and offer tactical flexibility

# What the reporting does and doesn't say

The coverage links Liverpool scouting activity to a genuine interest in Brunner and confirms his scoring form for Monaco this season. It does not provide a transfer fee, contract details, or confirm a completed deal. It also notes scouting attention on Lamine Camara but frames Brunner as the main candidate to fill the Kroupi-type role.

If Liverpool proceed, Brunner would be an addition tailored to Iraola's tactical blueprint rather than a broad recruitment gamble.