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Liverpool’s preparations for the 2026-27 season have officially kicked into high gear after Andoni Iraola named his initial 31-player squad for the club’s pre-season tour of the United States(USA). With a fresh chapter beginning at Anfield, excitement is building among supporters eager to see how Liverpool’s new head coach will shape his squad ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The Reds departed from Liverpool John Lennon Airport on Monday afternoon, setting course for Chicago, where they will begin an important few weeks of training and competitive friendlies.
The USA tour is more than just a series of exhibition matches. It is the first real opportunity for Iraola to implement his football philosophy, evaluate his players up close and begin building the foundations for what Liverpool hope will be a successful new era.
Liverpool Begin a New Journey Under Andoni Iraola
Every pre-season brings optimism, but this one feels particularly significant. Following a summer of major changes, Liverpool supporters will get their first extended look at Iraola’s methods as he works with his squad on American soil. Known for his aggressive pressing, high intensity football and quick attacking transitions, the Spanish coach has already made it clear that he wants a team supporters can be proud of. The USA tour now gives him valuable time on the training pitch to introduce those ideas before competitive football returns. The coming weeks will help determine which players are ready to play key roles and which youngsters may force themselves into first-team contention.
Liverpool’s USA Tour Fixtures
Liverpool’s American adventure will see the Reds play three exciting matches across three different states before returning to Merseyside.
The fixtures include:
- Liverpool vs Sunderland
- Liverpool vs Wrexham
- Liverpool vs Leeds United
Each game offers something different. Supporters will be eager to see Liverpool’s new signings in action, while academy stars will have the chance to prove they belong alongside the senior squad. Pre-season results are never the main objective, but building fitness, confidence and tactical understanding will be crucial before the Premier League season begins.
The 31 Players Travelling to America
Iraola has selected an exciting blend of experienced first-team players, recent signings and highly rated academy talents. The initial Liverpool squad includes:
Goalkeepers
- Giorgi Mamardashvili
- Freddie Woodman
- Vitezslav Jaros
Defenders
- Joe Gomez
- Jeremy Jacquet
- Milos Kerkez
- Conor Bradley
- Giovanni Leoni
- Kostas Tsimikas
- Jeremie Frimpong
- Calvin Ramsay
- Luke Chambers
- James Scanlon
- Ifeanyi Ndukwe
- Davies
Midfielders
- Dominik Szoboszlai
- Wataru Endo
- Curtis Jones
- Harvey Elliott
- Stefan Bajcetic
- Trey Nyoni
- James McConnell
- Koumas
- Abe
- Morrison
Forwards
- Federico Chiesa
- Hugo Ekitike
- Rio Ngumoha
- Will Wright
- Hall
- Sonni-Lambie
It is a squad packed with quality, youth and plenty of intriguing storylines.
New Signings Ready to Impress
One of the biggest talking points will be the opportunity to watch Liverpool’s newest arrivals. Jeremy Jacquet begins his Liverpool journey after completing his move from Rennes, while Milos Kerkez will be eager to establish himself quickly. Jeremie Frimpong also joins the travelling squad as supporters prepare to see how his pace and attacking ability fit into Iraola’s tactical system.
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is another player attracting significant attention after finally linking up with the Reds. Every training session and every minute on the pitch will help these players settle into life at one of the world’s biggest football clubs.
Harvey Elliott Faces a Huge Opportunity
Few players may benefit from this pre-season more than Harvey Elliott. After enduring a frustrating campaign, the young midfielder now has a clean slate under Liverpool’s new head coach. Iraola has already spoken positively about Elliott’s attitude and desire to prove himself. The USA tour gives him the perfect opportunity to remind everyone of his creativity, energy and technical quality. A strong pre-season could completely transform his prospects heading into the new campaign.
Dominik Szoboszlai Leads the Squad
Fresh from signing a new long-term contract, Dominik Szoboszlai arrives in America full of confidence. The Hungarian midfielder enjoyed another outstanding campaign and recently committed his future to Liverpool, describing his contract extension as one of the biggest moments of his career. As one of the senior figures travelling, supporters will expect him to lead by example both on and off the pitch. His energy, leadership and technical ability could make him one of Iraola’s most important players.
Academy Stars Ready for Their Chance
Liverpool have once again included several exciting academy prospects. Players like Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, James McConnell and others now have the opportunity to train alongside established internationals every day. For many young footballers, pre-season tours provide career-changing opportunities. Impress the manager during training or perform well in friendlies and suddenly a pathway into the first team becomes much more realistic. Liverpool’s academy has produced countless success stories over the years, and this summer another breakthrough star could emerge.
Injury Rehabilitation Continues
Not every travelling player will immediately feature on the pitch. Liverpool have confirmed that several members of the squad travelling to America will continue their injury rehabilitation alongside the club’s medical staff. This allows recovering players to remain fully integrated with the group while gradually building their fitness. It also ensures they remain connected with Iraola’s coaching staff and tactical work throughout pre-season.
World Cup Stars to Join Later
One notable absence from the initial squad list is several senior internationals. That is because a number of Liverpool players were involved in the latter stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following their international commitments, those players have been granted additional time off before returning to the club. Liverpool have confirmed they will join the squad later during the USA tour after completing their well-earned breaks. This phased return allows every player adequate recovery time before another demanding campaign.
Why This Tour Matters So Much
Pre-season is often described as the foundation of an entire season. Fitness levels are built. Tactical systems are introduced. Relationships between players begin to develop. Managers also gain invaluable information about their squads. For Iraola, these next two weeks represent his first real opportunity to put his football philosophy into practice. Every training session will reveal which players adapt quickest to his demanding style. Every friendly will provide clues about Liverpool’s likely tactical approach when the Premier League season begins.
Liverpool Fans Have Plenty to Be Excited About
There is genuine optimism surrounding Liverpool ahead of the new season. A respected new head coach has arrived. Several exciting signings have strengthened the squad. Talented academy players are pushing for opportunities. Established stars are preparing for another campaign. The USA tour marks the first chapter of that exciting journey.
While trophies are not won during pre-season, momentum certainly can be built. For Liverpool supporters, these upcoming matches offer the first glimpse of what life under Andoni Iraola could look like. With fresh ideas, exciting young talent and a squad determined to make a statement, the Reds head to America hoping to lay the foundations for a memorable 2026-27 campaign.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com