Image Credits: Imago Images
Three Liverpool players have reported back to Kirkby ahead of schedule as Andoni Iraola’s first senior pre-season officially kicks off on 13 July.
The Academy contingent has already reported to the AXA Training Centre this week for fitness testing and early conditioning work. Under-21s boss Rob Page and U18s coach Simon Wiles are putting their groups through baseline tests.
New head coach Andoni Iraola has made it clear he wants to lean on the youth ranks in the early weeks.
Wataru Endo is among the early returnees according to one report, back on Merseyside after an emotional summer that effectively closed the chapter on his international career.
The 33-year-old underwent foot surgery in February after suffering an injury against Sunderland and never featured for Liverpool again last season as he battled to regain fitness.
Japan initially named Endo in their World Cup squad, and he even managed 45 minutes in a warm-up friendly against Iceland, but a setback meant he had to withdraw from the tournament.
That blow prompted him to announce his retirement from international football, stepping away with 73 caps and four goals.
Also back ahead of schedule is Stefan Bajcetic, whose Liverpool career has stalled after a hugely promising 2022/23 breakthrough.
The Spaniard’s development has been disrupted by injuries and loan spells at RB Salzburg and Las Palmas, and he is currently the subject of negotiations over a potential departure from Anfield.
Reporting in Spain suggests Liverpool are open to a sale at the right price, with Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Elche all credited with serious interest in bringing the 21‑year‑old back to La Liga.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Leoni is also back as he continues to work toward fitness after an ACL-injury last September.
With the World Cup still ongoing, only Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Muñoz remain in the competition.
For a manager taking charge of his first pre-season at Anfield, the hope is that the bulk of the senior players can return back from their holidays earlier than expected.