With Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States getting underway on the 25th of July with a clash against fellow Premier League side Sunderland, one of the biggest talking points at this time of year is always which players from the Reds’ academy will join the senior squad as preparations begin for the upcoming season.

Many of the academy’s brightest youngsters were involved in Andoni Iraola’s first two training sessions with the first team. The likes of Joshua Abe, Keyrol Figueroa and Josh Sonni-Lambie all enjoyed fantastic seasons at academy level last year but are still waiting to make their first-team debuts. They will be hoping to board the plane to the States and gain valuable experience.

With the majority of the senior players still enjoying their holidays, there is a great opportunity for the young Reds to make a statement to the new boss and showcase their qualities.

Dan spoke to Matt Addison, who shared his thoughts on several academy players, discussing which young Reds he believes should head out on loan and who could impress Iraola during the pre-season tour.

On the academy going through a transitional period

Liverpool have signed plenty of defensive cover, especially in the centre-back position, allowing the academy to develop. The Reds brought in Noah Adekoya, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe, all to compete at academy level.

“Maybe there’s slightly fewer options in that position than there are in other positions, so you have to get ahead of the curve, really, to get the very best up-and-coming ones, to make sure you give yourself the best chance of having one of those on your books already.”

Addison described it as “a little bit of a reset”, with some of the youngsters “ready to take the next step and move on.”

He used the example of Kaide Gordon as a player who came into the academy at the age of 16 in 2021, who now may be ready to make the move away from Liverpool.

Addison added that the club cannot just let a bulk of players leave, as the U18s and U21s still need to be competitive for team and individual growth. But Addison described the academy as being in “a bit of a transition period.”

On the players to look out for

Matt Addison believes that Josh Abe is “probably the one” to look out for in terms of excitement at the club for youngsters going on the tour. It looks like the 16-year-old will be on the tour in some capacity. Whether that is getting minutes or being involved just for the experience is yet to be seen.

Addison described Abe as “one of the best players in his position in his age group in the country.” Liverpool managed to secure the winger’s signature a month ago, beating the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City.

Kieran Morrison came up in conversation, with the winger having a fantastic season under Rob Page in the U21s. Morrison was described as “Liverpool’s best player at Under-21 level” in the previous season.

James McConnell is another player Addison feels could be given a chance in pre-season. The midfielder came back from a loan spell at Ajax midway through last season and featured in the U21s’ final game of the season.

Will Wright was a player who was highlighted as someone who can push into the senior squad. With Hugo Ekitike’s injury, that does free up a centre-forward spot in the squad. His time at Salford has enabled him to have more “physicality and the sort of experience of being able to know where to be in certain moments.”

With Alexander Isak being the only fit senior striker in the squad, Addison added that there may be “opportunities for him” to make his mark in the first-team squad.

On Jayden Danns

Danns’ situation is a bit more complicated than others in and around the academy. The striker was set to have his breakthrough season with Sunderland two years ago before a back injury halted his progress.

Addison believes the decision on Danns for the upcoming season will come down to how fit the forward is come transfer deadline day. An option the Reds could take is keeping Danns for the first six months of the season so his training and rehab progress can be managed by the club.

If he is fit, however, Addison suggested that “there’d be no shortage of interest at the top end of the Championship.”

On Kieran Morrison

Morrison had an exceptional campaign for the U21s last season, picking up 15 goals and five assists in the league campaign. Performances that earned the 19-year-old his first cap for Northern Ireland.

Certainly a breakout season for Morrison, but Addison believes that a loan move is the “clear-cut” decision surrounding his future.

He added: “I think he is far too good to have another season at under-21 level.”

“Having the season he just had, he then has the confidence to go in and play at senior level.”

With Morrison operating best in the number 10 position and competition at the club very high in that area of the pitch, a move away from Liverpool for the season may be his best option.

In terms of clubs similar to Danns, top-end Championship clubs are the best and most likely destination for the pair to develop and play consistent first-team football.

On Trey Nyoni

Nyoni was limited to fewer games than maybe he was hoping for under Arne Slot last season, with the Dutchman stating in pre-conferences himself how the midfielder deserves more minutes in the first team and is a top talent.

The midfielder has proved on multiple occasions now that he may be ready to take that step into senior football, but the minutes he needs to fully develop as a player will most likely not be given to him at Liverpool due to the number of players in that position.

With former Liverpool coach Viktor Matos now the manager at Swansea, Dan and Addison suggested that could be a destination for Nyoni if he was to go out on loan. Not just for the midfielder, but many youngsters could be attracted to a move to Swansea for the 2026/27 season.

With the number of players Liverpool have in that position, Addison leaned towards the midfielder departing for the season: “A loan move probably just about makes more sense.”

He did also warn that there is still a risk with loan moves, using the example of Harvey Elliott and not wanting a similar situation to unfold.

Liverpool’s Future England Stars…

For the first time in 40 years, England entered a major tournament without a Liverpool player in their squad. The previous occasions came at the 1986 and 1954 World Cups. With a talented academy emerging at Kirkby, Liverpool supporters will hope that changes in the years ahead.

We’ve taken a look at some of the current Reds aged 23 and under to assess whether this year’s absence of Reds will be a one-off and Anfield representation will return in 2030…

Harvey Elliott

Following a disappointing loan deal to Villa Park which saw Harvey play in just 278 minutes for the Europa League winners, Harvey will be hoping that new boss Andoni Iraola will help reignite his football career. Prior to his move to the Midlands, Elliott performed exceptionally for his country, scoring five goals in six matches for the U21s as he led the charge to win the European Championship for the Three Lions. Harvey came close to achieving his first senior call-up for England in 2022, with Paul Robinson naming him a “victim of circumstance”.

Elliott’s intelligence between the lines and ability to receive possession in tight areas could suit Iraola’s more vertical style. If the new head coach can find a consistent role for the midfielder, the 22-year-old could yet force his way back into Liverpool and thereafter England’s plans ahead of the Euros tournament in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Rio Ngumoha

Few academy players have generated as much excitement as Rio Ngumoha. Ngumoha is the only player on this list to have earned a senior England cap and, on his debut, was named Player of the Match after his performance against New Zealand. After being knocked out by Argentina, Thomas Tuchel may be regretting not bringing the 17-year-old with him in place of unused players like Kobbie Mainoo or Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. His ability to isolate defenders and beat them one-on-one has quickly made him one of Liverpool’s and England’s most exciting academy prospects. Already trusted by Thomas Tuchel at senior level despite his age, Ngumoha appears to be on an accelerated pathway through England’s setup. Regular first-team football at Liverpool could quickly cement his place in future squads.

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Trey Nyoni

Signed from Leicester’s academy in 2023, Trey Nyoni has made 20 first-team appearances for Liverpool, many of which from the bench. Nyoni will be hoping to impress Andoni in the upcoming weeks in an attempt to earn a greater role in the squad. Nyoni possesses great talent — his passing range is second to none, complemented by his immense confidence when dictating the tempo of any match regardless of his position on the pitch — but opportunities for the 19-year-old have been slender. Nyoni has not suffered from injuries, rather immense competition from incredible professionals, but the arrival of Iraola could bring a pathway for the midfielder to develop into a crucial member of England’s future squad.

Jayden Danns

It has been a frustrating couple of years for young Jayden. Injuries have plagued his start as a Liverpool player. During Arne Slot’s time as Liverpool manager, Danns featured in just 130 minutes. Now fully fit for Iraola, Danns will be hoping to prove himself to the Spaniard or, at the very least, prove himself available for potential loan suitors. If his breakout season is anything to go by, Danns is the type of striker England could benefit from as a part of their squad in major tournaments, with the 6ft striker possessing a deadly instinct when in and around the box, especially with Harry Kane entering the latter stages of his international career. England will eventually need a new generation of centre-forwards to succeed the record goal-scorer. Danns’ instincts inside the penalty area could make him one to watch if he continues his development.

Will Wright

Despite suffering from an injury that saw him miss the beginning of his first campaign at Liverpool, Will Wright enjoyed life playing for the U21s, scoring six goals while adding five assists to his tally. Wright managed to contribute towards a goal every 88 minutes. The 18-year-old will be another young striker that will be looking to fight for the Harry Kane-shaped hole in England’s team for years to come. His physical profile also offers something different to many of England’s current young forwards. His ability to occupy centre-backs while still contributing creatively makes him an intriguing long-term prospect.

Wright could also emerge as Liverpool’s backup striker this season under Iraola following Hugo Ekitike’s injury, a position which would grant the striker exposure and the opportunity to develop into the talented footballer he could be.

James McConnell

McConnell is yet another victim who has endured a series of injury setbacks at the club. Last season, McConnell was ruled out with an undisclosed injury that required minor surgery in early 2026, forcing the termination of his loan spell at Ajax. After a five-month absence, he successfully returned to the pitch for Liverpool’s U21s in April and has since reported for 2026 pre-season training with the first team. His injury setback has stalled what had been an encouraging rise through Liverpool’s academy, as the young midfielder has shown his quality when fully fit and playing, particularly shining under Jürgen Klopp’s tenure. The now 21-year-old played a role in the Reds’ victory against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final alongside some appearances in the Europa League. With reports from Lewis Bower suggesting that the Englishman will be expected to stay and play a role in Iraola’s squad, consistent Premier League football would undoubtedly strengthen his hopes of climbing England’s midfield ladder.

Luca Eden

Eden has recently made history within the football club. The midfielder became the youngest player to score for Liverpool’s U18 side at the age of 14. Even with his young age, he has made 10 appearances for the team and has been compared to former captain Steven Gerrard. Luca Eden has been described by many as a tenacious and aggressive midfielder who has also captained England’s U15s. Many Liverpool coaches have described him as “the best talent they’ve had since Steven Gerrard”. At just 14, it remains far too early to predict his ceiling, but the club’s internal belief in his ability speaks volumes about his potential, leaving him as a potential candidate to become a future England international.

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Josh Abe

After signing a new contract with Liverpool despite interest from Manchester City, Josh Abe is expected to feature on the club’s tour of the United States. The versatile winger has regularly caused problems for full-backs with his technical ability and direct running. The right-winger also trained with the U21s last season despite being 15 at the time, showcasing his immense ability and the faith that the club have placed in him to fulfil his potential. England will hope Ngumoha and Abe continue their development over the coming years.

Haydn Murray-Holme

Murray-Holme was one of the standout midfielders in the U18 Premier League last season, registering 10 assists while ranking first for the number of progressive passes, averaging 15 per 90 minutes. Midfielders with his intelligence in possession are increasingly valued at the highest level, and continued progression at Liverpool could eventually place him firmly on England’s radar. The 17-year-old is another talent whose future Liverpool have recently secured, offering him a professional contract to fight off significant interest from other European clubs. The youngster has been compared to current Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton because of his ability to find passing lanes, added to his perfect ability to always play passes with the correct weight. If his development continues, Murray-Holme could become another player pushing for international recognition.

Following a productive period for Liverpool’s academy, the setup has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, and while not every player mentioned will go on to represent England, the depth of talent at Kirkby is difficult to ignore. After England’s first major tournament without a Liverpool representative in four decades, the next generation now has the opportunity to restore the club’s presence within the England national team. Whether it is Ngumoha’s explosive pace, Nyoni’s composure, McConnell’s resilience or Eden’s remarkable promise, the pathway appears stronger than it has for many years.

Liverpool Premier League Title Odds: Are the Reds Still Favourites?

 Right, let’s talk title odds. Every season the conversation starts the same way among Liverpool fans, are we actually going to challenge properly this time, or are we just going to end up as everyone’s “dark horse pick” again come August. So where do the Reds actually sit in the betting market right now?

Quick word before we dive in. If you’re the type who likes to have a bet on the title race, make sure you’re doing it somewhere reliable. Plenty of sites out there, so take a minute to actually check eth casino sites accepting US players as well as reviews before signing up anywhere.

Where Liverpool Sit in the Market

Bookmakers tend to weigh a few things heavily when setting title odds, squad quality, managerial track record, and recent head-to-head results against the rest of the traditional top six. Liverpool have generally been priced as genuine contenders rather than outsiders, reflecting the strength of the squad.

Iraola’s Tactical Setup and Why It Matters for the Odds

The way Iraola shout set the team up, more aggressive pressing triggers and quicker transitions, tends to produce the kind of consistent results that bookmakers reward with shorter odds. Teams that grind out results even in games they don’t dominate tend to be the ones that actually win titles, and that’s been a noticeable trend under this setup.

The Squad Depth Question

One thing that always separates genuine title winners from strong runners-up is depth. Can the squad cope with injuries to key players during the brutal December and January fixture pile-up? That’s usually where the title race gets decided, not in the eye-catching wins in August and September.

Who’s Actually Standing in the Way

It’s not just about Liverpool’s own form. The rest of the traditional top six, plus whichever surprise package emerges from mid-table, always factor into how the odds move throughout the season. A slow start from a title rival can shorten Liverpool’s price just as much as a good result of their own.

How Odds Shift Through the Season

Title odds aren’t static, they move constantly based on form, injuries, and even transfer window activity in January. Early season prices reflect potential, but by February the market usually reflects reality far more accurately, which is worth remembering if you’re thinking about timing a bet.

The Verdict

Liverpool look like genuine contenders again, and the underlying numbers back that up more than just gut feeling. Whether that translates into silverware come May is obviously still to be decided on the pitch, but from a betting market perspective, the Reds are firmly in the conversation. YNWA.

Following the return of 15 senior players on 14 July, Iraola’s first pre-season at Liverpool is well underway, with the club scheduled to travel to the States on 21 July. While there, they will face Sunderland at GEODIS Park on Saturday 25 July (23:00 GMT). Liverpool will then face Wrexham in New York before taking on Leeds in Chicago ahead of returning to the UK to face AS Monaco and Como at Anfield.

What to look out for…

New tactics

With the team’s visit marking the start of Iraola’s era at Liverpool, supporters will be looking for early signs of an organised press, quicker transitions and greater intensity out of possession.
Pre-season is unlikely to reveal the finished product, but the foundations should already be visible, with performances expected to improve as players become more familiar with Iraola’s methods before the start of the Premier League campaign on 23 August against Newcastle at St. James’ Park.
The new head coach has already admitted that his approach will need to be adapted to Liverpool’s squad. This could potentially cloud fans’ predictions for how the Reds will set up, something which will make these games all the more intriguing.

The academy

Supporters should also anticipate academy involvement throughout pre-season, with talents like Josh Abe potentially making his first pre-season appearance for the side, whilst the return of striker Jaden Danns could excite. Danns has endured an injury-hit season as he only made one 15-minute cameo for the first team against Southampton. Former Salford striker Will Wright will also be hoping to impress Iraola as Hugo Ekitike’s injury creates an opportunity for someone to provide cover for Alexander Isak’s position in the squad.

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New signings

Liverpool’s new No.5 Jeremy Jacquet will be ready for the US tour, as the Frenchman has been seen training with the U21s, including ball work and playing in small-sided games. Supporters will be wondering whether the defender is ready for Premier League football and if he is fully equipped to replace the departed Ibrahima Konaté.

Contract discussions

Several first-team futures could become clearer during pre-season. While Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo all continue to be linked with moves elsewhere, it appears as if Dominik Szoboszlai is close to signing a new contract. This follows reports from Hungary as well as from journalist Ben Jacobs, who has revealed that Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai is expected to sign a new deal with the club.

Szoboszlai had two years remaining on his contract after he signed for the club in 2023. The 25-year-old is coming off the back of his best personal season at the Reds, winning the side’s player of the season award as well as recording 13 goals and 12 assists in all competitions. The midfielder was also tested in a wide variety of positions, proving to the sceptical members of the fan base what a crucial player he is for the team.

Selection, minutes and tactical roles over the coming weeks could all offer hints about where players such as Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo fit into Iraola’s plans.

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A mixture of results

In conclusion, pre-season should never be judged purely by results but instead by how established Iraola’s tactical blueprint is.
Liverpool supporters should focus on the importance of the development of Iraola’s playing style, the integration of new signings and giving opportunities to younger players.

By the time the Premier League begins, the scorelines will be forgotten, but performances will remain in the memory. Liverpool must look like a team beginning to understand the ideas of their new head coach and ready to execute them fully by the end of the friendlies.