Liverpool’s academy has bid farewell to summer and reported back for pre-season on Monday, ahead of the first team’s return next week.
The summer break is almost over for the majority of Andoni Iraola‘s first team, but it is already officially over for the club’s academy as they have marked a return to the AXA.
Former Red and under-21s coach Jay Spearing welcomed “day one” on his Instagram account on Monday morning, signalling the start of preparations for 2026/27.
The first few days of training for the U21s and U18s are expected to comprise fitness tests to establish a base level before players take the next step and hope to be drafted into senior training.
Rob Page and Simon Wiles oversee the U21s and U18s respectively, and they have their own pre-season friendlies to prepare for before their season gets underway next month.
Liverpool academy players due to join first-team pre-season
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, January 28, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Kieran Morrison warms-up before the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Qaraba? FK at Anfield. Liverpool won 6-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Iraola has already voiced a desire and willingness to call on and take a closer look at the club’s young players in the knowledge that several first-team players remain absent due to the World Cup.
“They will be an important part of the first part of pre-season, the American tour, and I think in that way it works very well for us,” the new head coach said in his first club interview.
This Is Anfield understands U21s captain Kieran Morrison is part of the first group to report back for testing.
Morrison is then likely to be among those to join Iraola’s first team after their pre-season begins on July 13, before a decision is made on his future amid strong interest in a loan.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 7, 2026: Liverpool's Joshua Abe during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Everton FC Under-18's, the Mini-Mini Merseyside Derby, at Finch Farm. Everton won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Last season, only Morrison and Wellity Lucky were handed their debuts from their academy, and the hope is that more opportunities will arise under the new regime.
One player set to benefit from the start is 15-year-old Josh Abe, who is set to join the senior setup for pre-season after committing his long-term future to the club and being handed the No. 40 shirt.
Iraola is yet to address the media since being named Liverpool’s new head coach on June 4, and This Is Anfield understands his first press conference is more likely to take place during the USA tour.