Liverpool prepares for pre-season under Andoni Iraola with new and returning players
Liverpool is set to commence its pre-season preparations for the upcoming season on Tuesday at the AXA Training Centre. The initial sessions will see players not involved in the latter stages of the World Cup begin training under new head coach Andoni Iraola. The team’s departure for a pre-season tour in the United States is scheduled for the following week, making the early days crucial for new signings to integrate and returning players to demonstrate their capabilities.
The first phase of pre-season training is anticipated to include a mix of established players, recent acquisitions, and academy prospects aiming to make an impression. With several senior international players still fulfilling summer commitments and others recovering from injuries, the initial squad is expected to be smaller than the full contingent that will assemble later in the month.
Goalkeeping and defensive additions
The goalkeeping unit is expected to feature a fresh look for the start of pre-season. Giorgi Mamardashvili and fellow summer arrival Freddie Woodman are anticipated to join the squad, alongside highly-rated Hungarian youngster Armin Pecsi, as Iraola evaluates his options for the new season.
Defensively, Jeremy Jacquet has already demonstrated his fitness by undertaking preparatory work with Liverpool‘s Under-21s at the AXA Training Centre. He is now expected to train with the senior group. Jacquet’s transfer to Liverpool was announced during the January window, though he spent the remainder of the 2025-26 season with Rennes. During his time with Rennes, he sustained a left shoulder injury in a match against Lens on February 7th, which required surgery. He has since made a full recovery. On Thursday, Iraola and sporting director Richard Hughes observed the player.
Other defenders joining the initial pre-season phase include Joe Gomez, new signings Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, and Kostas Tsimikas, who returns after a season-long loan spell at AS Roma.
Midfield and attacking options
The midfield will also see several familiar faces. Harvey Elliott is expected to rejoin the first-team squad following his time with Aston Villa last season. Despite being on the bench for the Europa League final, Elliott made nine appearances across all competitions. He has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Anfield and is set to have an opportunity to impress Iraola during pre-season. Other midfielders expected to be available from the first day include Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, and James McConnell.
In attack, fewer established first-team options are anticipated for the opening sessions. Federico Chiesa and teenager Rio Ngumoha are expected to be the primary attacking players present. Several young talents, such as Josh Abe, Jayden Danns, Kieran Morrison, Mor Talla Ndiaye, Lewis Koumas, and Will Wright, are in line to participate in training and potentially contend for involvement throughout the campaign.
Players returning later
Not all players will be immediately available for the start of pre-season. Vitezslav Jaros, Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo, Stefan Bajcetic, and Hugo Ekitike are all expected to miss the opening day due to injury. The squad is anticipated to strengthen considerably upon its arrival in the United States, where captain Virgil van Dijk is expected to link up with Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch, and Cody Gakpo.
Alisson is scheduled to return slightly later, while Alexis Mac Allister and Munoz may not be available until around the middle of August, following their deep runs into this summer’s World Cup.
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Source: standard.co.uk
Amelia Stockwell is a Sports Reporter at News GB. She covered two Commonwealth Games for a national outlet. She focuses on tennis, cricket and athletics and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from the University of York and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in York, she runs with a local club and follows county cricket. “The quiet stories often matter most by the end of the season.”
