Liverpool lead £100m race for Bournemouth's Alex Scott as Iraola factor emerges

Liverpool are in the driving seat to sign Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott in the January transfer window, according to The Daily Mail. The Reds, who lost Curtis Jones to Inter Milan in the summer, are reportedly ready to make a marquee midfield signing. Bournemouth have set a £100m asking price for the 23-year-old.

  • Main target: Alex Scott, Bournemouth midfielder
  • Leading club: Liverpool (reported by The Daily Mail)
  • Asking price: £100 million
  • Contract expires: June 2028
  • Rival interest: Chelsea (failed with £68m bid last summer)
  • Key factor: Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola previously coached Bournemouth for three campaigns

Deal details

Bournemouth have set an asking price of £100 million for Scott, whose contract expires in June 2028. The Cherries want to sell mid-season to secure the best price, as Scott has no plans to renew. Chelsea failed with a £68m offer last summer, and Liverpool can expect to pay a much higher fee this winter. However, the Reds may not want to overpay knowing Scott enters the last year of his contract next summer, when Bournemouth will no longer be in a strong negotiating position. Liverpool could then get him for £68m or less.

Injury and availability

Scott is currently on the sidelines with a thigh issue. He has fared better this term with three goal involvements already, despite the injury setback.

The numbers

  • 2025/26 season: 3 goal involvements already
  • Last season: 5 goal contributions
  • Duels won: Almost 60%
  • Recoveries per game: 5
  • Tackles per game: Almost 2
  • Contract expiry: June 2028
  • Bournemouth asking price: £100m
  • Chelsea's rejected bid: £68m

Why Iraola could be the deciding factor in Liverpool's push for Scott

The presence of Andoni Iraola at Anfield is reportedly a significant pull for Scott. Iraola previously managed Bournemouth for three campaigns, playing a key role in Scott's development. That relationship could persuade the 23-year-old to choose Liverpool over Chelsea, who are also interested. The Reds have not invested in their midfield since 2023 and sanctioned the sale of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan over the summer, leaving a void in the centre of the park.

Scott's defensive numbers are impressive: he won almost 60% of his duels last season, averaged 5 recoveries and almost 2 tackles per game. He also contributed five goal involvements. This season, despite a thigh issue, he already has three goal involvements. Such output explains why Bournemouth value him at £100m and why Liverpool see him as a potential replacement for Alexis Mac Allister, whose contract expires in summer 2028 and who has not been handed an extension. However, Chelsea could scupper Liverpool's plans if they meet the Cherries' valuation this winter.

Talking points

  • Is £100m too steep for a player with one breakout season and a current thigh injury, especially when his contract expires in 2028?
  • Should Liverpool wait until next summer when Bournemouth's negotiating position weakens, potentially saving £32m or more?
  • Can Chelsea justify re-entering the race after their £68m bid was rejected, or will they be priced out?
  • Does Iraola's connection to Bournemouth give Liverpool an unfair advantage, or is it just media speculation?

What happens next

The January transfer window opens in a matter of weeks. Liverpool must decide whether to meet Bournemouth's £100m demand or risk losing Scott to Chelsea. The Reds could also wait until next summer, when Scott enters the final year of his contract, to negotiate a lower fee. Bournemouth, meanwhile, are keen to sell mid-season to maximise their return. Scott's thigh injury will also impact any potential deal, as clubs will want to assess his fitness before committing to a significant outlay.

Frequently asked questions

Is Liverpool signing Alex Scott in January?

According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool are in the driving seat to sign Alex Scott in January, but no deal has been agreed and Bournemouth have set a £100m asking price.

How much will Alex Scott cost?

Bournemouth have set a £100 million asking price for Scott. Chelsea failed with a £68m offer last summer, and Liverpool could pay less if they wait until next summer.

Why does Andoni Iraola want Alex Scott at Liverpool?

Iraola previously managed Bournemouth for three campaigns and played a big part in Scott's development, reportedly making him a key factor in Liverpool's pursuit.

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