The Kopite View

Fresh reports suggest Saudi Arabian clubs could reignite their interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker later this summer.
According to Ben Jacobs, there has not yet been a direct approach, and any move is currently viewed as unlikely.
More importantly for Liverpool supporters, the club have no intention of selling one of their most influential players.

Liverpool’s Position Is Clear
The report states that Liverpool are not looking to part ways with Alisson.
In fact, it would take an exceptional transfer fee to even make the club consider changing its stance.
That will come as welcome news to supporters.
Despite speculation over the past year, Alisson remains one of Liverpool’s most important players and a cornerstone of Andoni Iraola’s plans heading into the new season.

Still One of the World’s Best
Few goalkeepers in world football can match Alisson’s consistency.
Since arriving from Roma, he has established himself as one of Liverpool’s greatest signings of the modern era.
His qualities remain exceptional:
● Outstanding shot-stopping.
● Calmness under pressure.
● Excellent distribution.
● Leadership.
● Match-winning saves.
Even after several injury setbacks, many supporters still regard him as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.

Why Saudi Clubs Remain Interested
Saudi clubs have made no secret of their ambition to attract some of football’s biggest names.
A goalkeeper of Alisson’s stature naturally fits that profile.
At 33, he still has several years at the highest level ahead of him and would represent a marquee signing for any ambitious club.
The financial resources available in Saudi Arabia mean they are capable of making offers few clubs can ignore.

Liverpool Cannot Afford to Lose Him
While Liverpool have strengthened several areas of the squad this summer, replacing Alisson would arguably be the most difficult task of all.
Elite goalkeepers are incredibly rare.
Replacing one who already understands the club, the league and the demands of competing for major honours is even harder.
Liverpool may eventually need to plan for life after Alisson.
But there is little indication that moment is now.

A New Era Needs Stability
Andoni Iraola is already overseeing significant change.
With new signings arriving and several experienced players having departed, retaining key leaders has become even more important.
Alisson provides exactly that.
His experience, professionalism and influence inside the dressing room make him invaluable as Liverpool begin a new chapter.

Supporters Can Relax… For Now
The latest update should reassure Liverpool fans.
There has been no formal approach, the club have no desire to sell, and any potential deal is considered unlikely.
Transfer windows often generate speculation, particularly when world-class players are involved.
But as things stand, Liverpool remain determined to keep their number one goalkeeper at Anfield.
And for supporters hoping to see Alisson guarding the goal next season, that is exactly the news they wanted to hear.
Source: @JacobsBen

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s plans for strengthening the midfield this summer appear to be gathering momentum, with Manu Koné remaining one of the club’s preferred targets.
According to Wilson Cox LFC, Liverpool are still in contact with AS Roma to establish the conditions of a potential deal for the French midfielder as the club narrows its focus ahead of the final weeks of the transfer window.
The report suggests that Liverpool have now finalised their midfield shortlist, with discussions expected to continue before a final decision is made.

Manu Koné Still High on Liverpool’s List
Koné has been linked with Liverpool on several occasions over the past year, and it is easy to understand why.
The French international possesses many of the qualities Andoni Iraola is believed to value in a midfielder:
● Aggressive ball-winning.
● Excellent mobility.
● Strong ball-carrying ability.
● Physical presence.
● Press resistance.
At 25, Koné is entering his prime years and has already accumulated experience in both the Bundesliga and Serie A.
His profile would add something slightly different to Liverpool’s current midfield options.

Liverpool Have Done Their Homework
The report also claims Liverpool have now finalised their midfield shortlist, suggesting the recruitment team are moving from scouting to decision-making.
Alongside Koné, two other names remain firmly under consideration:
● Ayyoub Bouaddi
● Adam Wharton
Each player offers a different profile.
Wharton is regarded as one of England’s most technically gifted young midfielders, while Bouaddi is viewed as one of France’s brightest emerging talents.
Liverpool’s decision will likely come down to which player best fits both Iraola’s tactical plans and the club’s financial strategy.

Iraola’s Influence
There is little doubt that Andoni Iraola will have a significant say in whichever midfielder Liverpool eventually pursue.
His teams rely heavily on energy, pressing and midfielders capable of covering large areas of the pitch.
Koné appears to fit those demands particularly well.
His ability to recover possession and drive forward in transition could make him an ideal addition to Liverpool’s engine room.

Midfield Isn’t the Only Focus
Perhaps the most intriguing part of Wilson Cox’s update is the suggestion that Liverpool’s winger shortlist will be revealed soon.
With Mohamed Salah’s departure still leaving a significant void on the right side of the attack, supporters have been eagerly awaiting signs of progress in that area of the squad.
If Liverpool’s midfield shortlist is now complete, attention could soon shift towards reinforcing the wide attacking positions.
That is likely to be one of the biggest talking points of the remainder of the transfer window.

Decision Time Approaching
Liverpool have spent much of the summer assessing options rather than rushing into deals.
Now, it appears the club are entering the stage where important decisions will be made.
Whether the chosen midfielder is Manu Koné, Adam Wharton or Ayyoub Bouaddi, one thing seems increasingly clear.
Liverpool know exactly who they want.
The question now is which deal proves most achievable.
With the winger shortlist also expected soon, the coming weeks promise to be fascinating for Liverpool supporters as Andoni Iraola’s squad continues to take shape.
Source: Wilson Cox LFC

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Harvey Elliott appears determined to fight for his Liverpool future.

After returning to the AXA Training Centre ahead of schedule for pre-season, the midfielder has already caught the attention of new head coach Andoni Iraola.

Speaking about Elliott’s attitude since returning, Iraola said:

“I’ve seen him with this eagerness to show himself, to get himself ready again.”

The Liverpool boss also made it clear that Elliott’s efforts will be rewarded.

“He will have a chance during the pre-season; we will need him.”

For a player whose future has been the subject of considerable speculation this summer, those comments could prove hugely significant.

A Fresh Start Under a New Manager

Few Liverpool players have faced more uncertainty over the past year than Harvey Elliott.

Despite regularly impressing when given opportunities, the 23-year-old struggled to establish himself as a guaranteed starter and was repeatedly linked with a move away from Anfield.

The arrival of Andoni Iraola, however, has given Elliott exactly what every player wants—a clean slate.

Every pre-season represents an opportunity to impress a new manager, and Elliott appears determined to make the most of it.

The Right Attitude

One thing that has never been questioned is Elliott’s commitment.

By reporting back early, he has sent a clear message.

He wants to stay.

He wants to compete.

And he wants to prove he deserves a place in Liverpool’s plans.

That kind of professionalism is exactly the mentality managers appreciate.

Iraola’s comments suggest he has already noticed it.

A Style That Could Suit Him

Iraola’s football demands intensity, creativity and players willing to work relentlessly both with and without the ball.

Elliott possesses many of those qualities.

His vision, technical ability and willingness to press could make him an excellent option in several attacking midfield roles.

The challenge will be consistency.

If Elliott can combine his creativity with the energy Iraola expects, he could become a very useful player throughout the season.

Competition Remains Fierce

Of course, earning a place in Liverpool’s starting XI will not be easy.

The midfield already includes:

• Florian Wirtz
• Alexis Mac Allister
• Ryan Gravenberch
• Dominik Szoboszlai
• Curtis Jones
• Stefan Bajčetić

Breaking into that group requires outstanding performances.

But pre-season often changes perceptions.

A strong summer could completely alter Elliott’s prospects.

Liverpool Need Players Like Elliott

One line from Iraola’s comments stood out.

“We will need him.”

That suggests the new manager sees Elliott as someone capable of contributing over the course of a demanding campaign rather than simply making up the numbers.

With Liverpool competing across multiple competitions, squad depth will be vital.

If Elliott continues to impress, he could play an important role.

Time to Prove Himself

This pre-season may be the biggest of Harvey Elliott’s Liverpool career.

The talent has never been in doubt.

Now he has the opportunity to convince a new manager that he deserves to be a key part of Liverpool’s future.

Judging by Iraola’s early comments, he has made an encouraging start.

The challenge now is turning that positive first impression into a place in Liverpool’s plans for the new season.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool supporters have been eager to hear exactly what they can expect from Andoni Iraola.

Now, the Spaniard has provided perhaps his clearest indication yet of how he intends to approach life at Anfield.

Speaking about his football philosophy, Iraola said:

“You’ve seen me for three years in the Premier League. Some know me better, but the people involved in football will know what we try to do.”

He continued:

“I understand this is Liverpool and we have to change some things, even tactically, but if they hire me it’s because they want a lot of things I was doing at other clubs.”

And perhaps the most significant line of all:

“I don’t want to change the DNA of my teams on the pitch. I try to be as natural as possible.”

For Liverpool supporters, those words should be extremely encouraging.

Evolution, Not Revolution

One concern whenever a new manager arrives is whether they will completely overhaul the way the team plays.

Iraola’s comments suggest that won’t be the case.

Instead, he appears determined to build on the principles that have brought him success throughout his coaching career while adapting them to suit Liverpool’s squad.

That balance is important.

Liverpool are not Bournemouth.

The expectations are higher.

The quality of the players is greater.

But Iraola clearly believes the core ideas that have defined his teams can also succeed at one of the biggest clubs in world football.

What Is Iraola’s DNA?

Anyone who watched Bournemouth over the past three seasons will already have a good idea.

His teams are known for:

• Aggressive pressing.
• High intensity.
• Quick transitions.
• Direct attacking football.
• Relentless work rate.

Above all, they play with bravery.

Rather than sitting back, Iraola wants his teams to force the issue and make life uncomfortable for opponents.

Many Liverpool supporters have been crying out for exactly that.

Liverpool Chose Him for a Reason

One sentence stood out more than any other:

“If they hire me it’s because they want a lot of things I was doing at other clubs.”

That suggests Liverpool’s hierarchy knew exactly what they were buying into.

The appointment wasn’t made with the expectation that Iraola would abandon his identity.

It was made because they believe that identity can help Liverpool return to competing for the biggest honours.

The Players Must Adapt Too

While Iraola has no intention of changing who he is, he did acknowledge that tactical adjustments will be necessary.

That is only natural.

Managing Liverpool brings different challenges from managing Bournemouth.

He now has world-class players at his disposal.

The task is finding the right balance between maintaining his philosophy and maximising the strengths of his squad.

With players such as Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai available, there is every reason to believe his ideas can evolve even further.

A Message Liverpool Fans Wanted to Hear

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from Iraola’s comments is his confidence.

He isn’t arriving at Anfield trying to reinvent himself.

He isn’t abandoning the football that brought him success.

Instead, he is staying true to his principles while recognising the demands of one of the world’s biggest clubs.

For supporters who want to see Liverpool play with intensity, courage and purpose once again, that should be music to their ears.

The DNA isn’t changing.

If anything, Iraola believes it’s about to become even stronger.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

When Liverpool supporters discuss the players most likely to define the new season, the same names usually dominate the conversation.

Florian Wirtz.

Alexander Isak.

Virgil van Dijk.

Alexis Mac Allister.

But there is one player who seems to be flying under the radar despite having all the attributes to become one of Andoni Iraola’s most important performers.

Milos Kerkez.

Overshadowed by Bigger Signings

It’s understandable why Kerkez hasn’t attracted as many headlines.

Liverpool have invested heavily in attacking talent, while the managerial change has naturally shifted attention elsewhere.

Yet quietly, the Hungarian international could become one of the biggest success stories of the season.

Full-backs are crucial in Iraola’s system.

They are expected to defend aggressively, press high, provide width and contribute in attack.

Those demands suit Kerkez perfectly.

Built for Iraola’s Football

Few players in Liverpool’s squad seem better suited to Iraola’s style.

Kerkez possesses:

• Explosive pace.
• Relentless stamina.
• Aggressive defending.
• Intelligent movement.
• A willingness to attack.

He enjoys getting forward but also has the recovery speed to defend large spaces when possession is lost.

Those qualities make him an ideal modern full-back.

More Than Just an Attacker

One misconception about Kerkez is that he is simply an attacking left-back.

In reality, his defensive work is equally impressive.

He relishes one-on-one duels, isn’t afraid to make tackles and consistently works hard to recover his position.

That balance is exactly what Liverpool need if they are to compete across multiple competitions.

Room to Improve

Perhaps the most exciting aspect is that Kerkez is still developing.

He already performs at a very high level, but there are obvious areas where experience will make him even better.

Decision-making in the final third.

Crossing consistency.

Positional awareness.

If those elements improve, Liverpool could have one of Europe’s outstanding left-backs for years to come.

A Huge Season Ahead

With Andy Robertson now gone, Kerkez has the opportunity to make the position his own.

There will be pressure.

Supporters expect high standards.

But there is also a huge opportunity.

If he performs consistently, he could become one of the first names on Iraola’s teamsheet every week.

Don’t Be Surprised

Liverpool supporters often focus on glamorous attacking players.

Goalscorers naturally attract the headlines.

Sometimes, though, the players who quietly perform every single week become just as important.

Don’t be surprised if, by the end of next season, people are talking about Milos Kerkez as one of Liverpool’s best and most influential players.

He may just be the Reds’ most underrated player heading into the campaign.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Ibrahima Konaté has barely completed his move to Real Madrid, yet his first major comments as a Madrid player have already sparked frustration among sections of the Liverpool fanbase.

Speaking after the transfer, Konaté said:

“Real Madrid is the greatest club in the world.”

He also added:

“It is a dream to join the club, but until I put on the shirt, I will not fully believe it.”

While those words will undoubtedly delight Real Madrid supporters, they have landed rather differently on Merseyside.

The Timing Matters

Most Liverpool supporters understand that players will sometimes move to clubs they have admired since childhood.

Few begrudge a player for pursuing a dream.

The frustration comes from the timing.

Konaté spent several successful years at Anfield, won major honours and was regularly backed by the supporters through injuries and difficult periods.

For many fans, describing another club as “the greatest in the world” immediately after leaving feels unnecessary.

A little more gratitude towards Liverpool would have gone a long way.

Liverpool Gave Him the Stage

When Konaté arrived from RB Leipzig, he was regarded as a talented young defender with huge potential.

Liverpool gave him the platform to establish himself among Europe’s elite.

Alongside Virgil van Dijk, he developed into one of the Premier League’s most respected centre-backs and became a regular for France.

Supporters therefore feel Liverpool played a significant role in his development.

That is why some expected his farewell to place greater emphasis on what the club had done for him.

It’s About Respect

Football supporters rarely expect lifelong loyalty.

Modern football simply does not work that way.

Players move.

Managers move.

Circumstances change.

What supporters do value, however, is respect.

Many Liverpool fans would have accepted comments such as:

• “Real Madrid is a huge club.”
• “It’s a dream opportunity.”
• “I’ll always be grateful to Liverpool.”

Instead, the wording has left some supporters feeling that Liverpool’s role in his career has been overshadowed.

Others Will See It Differently

Of course, there is another side to the debate.

Many players grow up dreaming of playing for Real Madrid.

For them, joining the Spanish giants represents the pinnacle of club football.

Konaté’s comments may simply reflect that lifelong ambition rather than any disrespect towards Liverpool.

Emotion often shapes first interviews after a major transfer.

It is possible his words were intended to express excitement rather than diminish his former club.

Liverpool Fans Move On

Ultimately, Liverpool supporters will always remember Konaté’s contributions.

He helped the club win trophies, produced outstanding performances and formed an excellent partnership with Van Dijk at his best.

However, football moves quickly.

The focus at Anfield has already shifted towards the future.

Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk and the rest of Liverpool’s defence now have the responsibility of taking the club forward under Andoni Iraola.

Konaté may have realised a lifelong dream.

But for many Liverpool supporters, his comments have made it a little easier to turn the page and look ahead to the next chapter.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s search for additional attacking reinforcements may have taken an interesting turn, with reports claiming the Reds have opened talks with Real Oviedo over winger Haissem Hassan.
According to @el_GOLDIGITAL, Liverpool are confident of completing a deal for the 24-year-old for a fee below his €12 million release clause, while Celtic are also monitoring the situation after following the player for some time.
If accurate, it could represent one of the more intriguing value deals of the summer.

A Different Type of Target
Much of Liverpool’s transfer speculation has centred around high-profile names such as Bradley Barcola, Yankuba Minteh and Yan Diomande.
Haissem Hassan, however, represents something different.
Rather than costing £70–150 million, Hassan would arrive for a fraction of that price while already possessing first-team experience and room to develop further.
At 24, he is entering the prime years of his career and could provide immediate competition on the wing.

Why Liverpool Might Be Interested
Hassan is primarily a right-sided winger but is capable of operating across the front line.
His game is built around:
● Pace
● Direct dribbling
● One-versus-one ability
● Creativity in wide areas
● Quick transitions
Those qualities appear well suited to Andoni Iraola’s style of football.
Liverpool’s new head coach demands wide players who are prepared to attack defenders aggressively rather than simply recycle possession.
Hassan’s profile appears to fit those requirements.

Salah’s Successor?
No player will truly replace Mohamed Salah.
However, Liverpool still need greater depth on the right wing following the Egyptian’s departure.
If the club can secure Hassan for under €12 million, it could prove to be an extremely shrewd piece of business.
Rather than arriving with the pressure of a £100 million price tag, he would have the opportunity to compete, develop and establish himself within the squad.

Celtic Also in the Race
Liverpool are not alone.
The report claims Celtic have been tracking Hassan since before the World Cup and are preparing an offer in the region of €7–8 million.
That bid remains well below the player’s reported release clause, which may leave Liverpool in a stronger negotiating position if they are prepared to increase their offer.
Should both clubs pursue the deal seriously, the player’s ambitions could ultimately prove decisive.

Smart Recruitment?
Liverpool have built much of their recent success on identifying value in the transfer market.
While blockbuster signings attract headlines, some of the club’s most successful transfers have come from spotting players before their value exploded.
If the recruitment team genuinely believe Hassan has the qualities required to succeed under Iraola, this could be another example of Liverpool looking beyond the obvious names.

One to Watch
At this stage, supporters should treat the reports with a degree of caution.
No agreement has been confirmed, and transfer situations can change quickly.
However, the fact Liverpool are reportedly in discussions suggests the interest may be genuine.
For a relatively modest fee, Haissem Hassan could become one of the more interesting additions of Liverpool’s summer.
And if he does arrive at Anfield, he may quickly prove why the club were prepared to move ahead of the competition.
Source: @el_GOLDIGITAL

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool have already made some exciting additions this summer.
Florian Wirtz has arrived to add creativity.
Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have strengthened the full-back positions.
Alexander Isak gives Liverpool one of the best forwards in Europe.
However, despite those signings, I still believe there are five key positions Liverpool need to strengthen if they are serious about competing for the biggest honours under Andoni Iraola.

1. Centre-Forward
   This may surprise some supporters, but I still believe Liverpool need another striker.
   The reason is simple.
   Hugo Ekitike faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, leaving Alexander Isak as the only recognised senior centre-forward.
   A season competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups is simply too demanding to rely on one striker.
   Liverpool need another quality No. 9 who can:
   ● Rotate with Isak.
   ● Offer a different tactical option.
   ● Ensure the team isn’t left short if injuries strike again.
   Depth wins trophies.
2. Centre-Back
   Replacing Ibrahima Konaté remains essential.
   Virgil van Dijk is still one of the league’s outstanding defenders, while Jeremy Jacquet has enormous potential.
   But asking a young defender to immediately fill Konaté’s boots is a huge responsibility.
   Liverpool need another experienced centre-back capable of competing for a starting place from day one.
3. Right-Back
   Jeremie Frimpong is an exciting signing.
   However, Conor Bradley is currently injured, meaning Liverpool’s depth on the right side is already being tested before the season has even begun.
   Whether it is an experienced full-back or a versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions, Liverpool would benefit from another option.
   A long season demands more than one specialist right-back.
4. Defensive Midfielder
   Ryan Gravenberch.
   Alexis Mac Allister.
   Dominik Szoboszlai.
   Florian Wirtz.
   Liverpool have plenty of creativity.
   What they still lack is a natural ball-winning midfielder.
   Someone who can:
   ● Break up attacks.
   ● Protect the defence.
   ● Win second balls.
   ● Dominate transitions.
   Names such as João Gomes and Manu Koné continue to make sense because they offer qualities Liverpool currently do not possess in abundance.
5. Mohamed Salah’s Successor
   Perhaps the biggest challenge of all.
   Replacing Mohamed Salah is impossible.
   But Liverpool still need another right-sided attacker capable of becoming the focal point of the next generation.
   Whether that player is:
   ● Bradley Barcola.
   ● Yankuba Minteh.
   ● Yan Diomande.
   ● Or another target entirely.
   Liverpool cannot expect one player to replace Salah’s numbers immediately.
   But they do need someone with the pace, creativity and goal threat to grow into that role over the coming years.

The Window Is Far From Finished
Supporters are understandably becoming anxious.
The season is approaching.
Pre-season is underway.
And Liverpool still have obvious gaps within the squad.
The encouraging part is that there is still time.
The club have shown ambition already this summer.
Now they simply need to finish the job.
If Liverpool can strengthen in these five areas, Andoni Iraola will inherit a squad capable of challenging anyone in England and Europe.
Because while the foundations are now in place, the rebuild still feels unfinished.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

With the transfer window still open, Liverpool supporters continue to hope for further additions.
However, if the current squad remains unchanged, Andoni Iraola already has the foundations of an exciting team.
This is how I believe Liverpool’s strongest starting XI would look.

Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker
When fit, Alisson remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
His leadership, shot-stopping and ability with the ball at his feet make him an automatic choice.

Defence
Right-back – Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong’s pace and attacking threat make him the perfect fit for Iraola’s aggressive style.
His willingness to press high and constantly overlap could make Liverpool’s right flank one of the most dangerous in the Premier League.
Centre-back – Virgil van Dijk
The captain remains Liverpool’s defensive leader.
Even at this stage of his career, Van Dijk is still among the league’s elite defenders.
Centre-back – Jeremy Jacquet
With Ibrahima Konaté gone, this is a huge opportunity for Jeremy Jacquet.
Strong, composed and comfortable defending large spaces, he looks well suited to playing alongside Van Dijk.
Left-back – Milos Kerkez
Kerkez already looks like an outstanding signing.
His energy, aggression and attacking intent could make him one of the biggest beneficiaries of Iraola’s football.

Midfield
Ryan Gravenberch
Gravenberch’s ability to carry the ball through midfield gives Liverpool a dimension very few teams possess.
Alexis Mac Allister
The complete midfielder.
Mac Allister brings balance, intelligence and relentless work rate, making him indispensable.
Dominik Szoboszlai
Rather than pushing him wide, I’d play Szoboszlai in his natural midfield role.
His running power, pressing intensity and ability to arrive late in the box could be crucial under Iraola.

Attack
Right wing – Rio Ngumoha
This might surprise some supporters, but I genuinely believe Ngumoha deserves the opportunity.
His pace, direct running and fearlessness make him an exciting option, and Iraola has never been afraid to trust talented young players.
If anyone can unlock his enormous potential, it could be Liverpool’s new head coach.
Centre-forward – Alexander Isak
Isak has everything required to lead Liverpool’s attack.
His movement, finishing and technical quality make him the obvious focal point.
Left wing – Florian Wirtz
Many see Wirtz as a number 10, but I would start him from the left.
Operating from that side would allow him to drift inside onto his stronger foot, combine with Mac Allister and Kerkez, and create overloads in dangerous areas.
It also gives him the freedom to influence the game without being restricted to one central position.

Strength in Depth
Liverpool would still have plenty of quality available from the bench:
● Cody Gakpo
● Stefan Bajčetić
● Curtis Jones
● Joe Gomez
● Kostas Tsimikas
● Trey Nyoni
● Josh Abe
● Hugo Ekitike (once fit)
That provides Iraola with genuine competition throughout the squad.

Is It Enough?
Even without further signings, this is a team capable of exciting Liverpool supporters.
The pace of Frimpong and Kerkez.
The creativity of Wirtz.
The intelligence of Mac Allister.
The energy of Szoboszlai.
The finishing of Isak.
And perhaps most exciting of all, the fearlessness of Rio Ngumoha.
There are still areas where Liverpool could strengthen before the window closes, particularly in defence and attack.
But if no more arrivals come through the door, this starting XI would still give supporters plenty of reasons to look forward to the new season under Andoni Iraola.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

The wait is almost over.
After weeks of transfer speculation, managerial changes and international football, Liverpool’s preparations for the new season officially begin on Tuesday, 14 July, as the first group of senior players return to the AXA Training Centre.
For Andoni Iraola, it marks the first real opportunity to begin implementing his ideas on the training pitch and assess the squad he has inherited.
According to reports, the following senior players are due back for the opening day of pre-season:
● 🇬🇪 Giorgi Mamardashvili
● 🇫🇷 Jeremy Jacquet
● 🏴 Joe Gomez
● 🇭🇺 Milos Kerkez
● 🏴 Harvey Elliott
● 🇭🇺 Dominik Szoboszlai
● 🏴 Curtis Jones
● 🏴 Rio Ngumoha
● 🇮🇹 Federico Chiesa
● 🇳🇱 Jeremie Frimpong
● 🇬🇷 Kostas Tsimikas
● 🏴 Freddie Woodman
● 🏴 Trey Nyoni
● 🏴 James McConnell
● 🇭🇺 Árpád Pécsi
Source: @LusbyJack

A Fresh Start for Everyone
While supporters naturally focus on new signings, pre-season offers something just as important: a clean slate.
Every player starts again.
Every position is up for grabs.
And every training session provides an opportunity to impress the new head coach.
That should be particularly encouraging for players such as Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Federico Chiesa, all of whom will be eager to establish themselves under Iraola.

Young Talent Ready to Shine
Perhaps the most exciting names on the list are those coming through Liverpool’s academy.
Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni and James McConnell have all earned widespread praise for their development, and pre-season could provide the perfect stage to demonstrate they are ready for greater responsibility.
Iraola has built a reputation for rewarding young players who perform.
If these youngsters impress over the coming weeks, they could force their way into Liverpool’s plans for the season ahead.

New Faces Settling In
Supporters will also be keen to see several recent arrivals begin life at Kirkby.
Jeremie Frimpong’s pace and attacking threat should make him one of the most exciting players to watch, while Jeremy Jacquet and Giorgi Mamardashvili will begin adapting to Liverpool’s demands after joining the club this summer.
For Milos Kerkez, pre-season offers the chance to continue building his understanding of Iraola’s football after already working under the Spaniard earlier in his career.

Building Fitness and Identity
Results in pre-season rarely matter.
What supporters will be looking for are signs of progress.
Can Liverpool press with greater intensity?
Will the team move the ball quicker?
Will Iraola’s ideas already be visible?
Those questions are likely to dominate discussion throughout the club’s preparations.

The Countdown Begins
This week’s return to training signals the true beginning of Liverpool’s new era.
Transfers may still come and go before the window closes, but the foundations for the 2026/27 season will start being built on the training pitches at the AXA Centre.
For Liverpool supporters, it is the first real glimpse of what the future under Andoni Iraola might look like.
And after a summer full of uncertainty, football is finally back.

Jamie (The Kopite View)