Image Credits: Imago Images
The Andoni Iraola era is well and truly underway, with an early group of players including Harvey Elliott now meeting the Spanish manager.
It has been reported that Liverpool’s official pre-season will start on Tuesday next week, 14 July.
While Elliott is among the early group to arrive, it remains to be seen whether his future will remain on Merseyside ahead of next season.
Crystal Palace are interested in the Europa League winner, and it’s even being suggested that he could be part of swap deal involving Adam Wharton going the other way.
Now James Pearce of the Athletic has reported that while Elliott, Jeremy Jacquet and James McConnell have reported for “preparatory work”, there was also a number of players reporting in to continue their rehab:
“Andoni Iraola met a number of his players at the AXA today. Harvey Elliott, Jeremy Jacquet and James McConnell reported for preparatory work. Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni doing rehab. Pre-season starts properly next week.”
During his signing announcement and first interview, Jacquet made it clear he already feels ready to go for pre-season under Andoni Iraola. The French defender has been following an individual fitness programme since recovering from a shoulder injury.
Wataru Endo is also edging closer to full fitness after the ankle injury he suffered back in February, which ultimately ruled him out of Japan’s World Cup squad. The 33-year-old has since announced his retirement from international football following that heartbreak.
Meanwhile, reports from Spain claim Stefan Bajcetic is negotiating an exit and is likely to leave Anfield this summer, with Sevilla, Rayo Vallecano and Elche all credited with an interest as he prioritises a return to La Liga.
Andoni Iraola met a number of his players at the AXA today. Harvey Elliott, Jeremy Jacquet and James McConnell reported for preparatory work.
Stefan Bajcetic, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike, Wataru Endo and Giovanni Leoni doing rehab.
Pre-season starts properly next week. pic.twitter.com/3LqYp1qUNP
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) July 7, 2026