The AXA Training Centre has never looked more empty. As the sun was beaming at Kirkby, the dawn of a new era is officially underway, but it is one framed by unprecedented headaches.
For new head coach Andoni Iraola, there has been no gentle period of grace. A mid-summer World Cup has fractured preparation time,delayed transfer movement, and left the spine of his inherited squad scattered across continents.
Yet, inside the walls of Liverpool’s training base, the wheels have finally begun to turn.
While the official reconvening of the senior squad is locked in for next Tuesday, July 14, a select group of early returnees has already handed Iraola his first look at the tools at his disposal. It is a fascinating mix of high-profile new faces, rehab groups, and players with a point to prove.
Instead, this first phase of pre-season is less about grand statements in the transfer market and more about clear assessment, quick coaching, and immediate impressions.
For a fan base still adjusting to life post-Klopp and post-Slot, it is the first glimpse into how Iraola plans to shape his tactical blueprint.
The early arrivals at Kirkby tell their own compelling stories. Among those already being put through their paces by Iraola and his newly confirmed backroom staff is new £60 million centre-back signing Jeremy Jacquet.
The former Rennes defender, whose season was abruptly cut short by shoulder surgery, represents a massive investment in Liverpool’s defensive future. Seeing him moving freely on the grass is a massive boost for a backline that will need to adapt quickly to Iraola’s high-intensity, front-footed press.
But it isn’t just the new signings drawing focus. A significant portion of the early group consists of those fighting their way back from long-term fitness battles:
Wataru Endo: Following foot surgery in February and his subsequent retirement from international football after withdrawing from Japan’s World Cup squad, the veteran midfielder is back early. His leadership will be vital in setting the tone for a youthful early group.
Reds reporting to the AXA Training Centre for preparatory work ?? pic.twitter.com/uCCFTIQ0Jc
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 7, 2026
Giovanni Leoni: The youngster is targeting a full pre-season integration after a devastating ACL injury ruined his debut last September.
Conor Bradley: The club remains cautious with the Northern Irishman, who has been sidelined since a major knee operation in January. No firm timescale has been set for his return, but his presence at the training centre is a step forward.
Stefan Bajcetic & Hugo Ekitike: Both are deep into their respective rehabilitation programmes, eager to find rhythm before the intensity ramps up.
Preparing for pre-season ? pic.twitter.com/Q6mhYkzNYv
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 7, 2026
The staggered returns: Who is back when?
Iraola’s plans will unfold in distinct stages. Following the U21s, who began their baseline fitness testing on Monday, the majority of the non-World Cup senior core is due back imminently.
Fans can expect to see a substantial contingent reporting for duty over the coming days, including Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Armin Pecsi, Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez, Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Trey Nyoni, Federico Chiesa, and Rio Ngumoha.
Up to 19 senior players will be available from day one of the official July 14 start, giving the coaching staff a solid foundation to work on tactical shapes.
The real complexity lies with those still on international duty. Every player is granted a mandatory three weeks of holiday from the exact moment their country is eliminated from the World Cup.
Phase Players Included Expected Integration Point
Early Rehab Jacquet, Endo, Elliott, Bajcetic, Leoni, Bradley, Ekitike Already at Kirkby
Official Start (July 14) Szoboszlai, Jones, Gomez, Chiesa, Frimpong, Tsimikas, Kerkez AXA Training Centre
First World Cup Wave Van Dijk, Gravenberch, Gakpo, Wirtz, Isak, Alisson Joining directly on US Tour
Late Tournament Wave Victor Munoz (Spain), Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) Post-US Tour (Merseyside)
Because of this staggered timeline, heavyweights like Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak will bypass Merseyside entirely, meeting up with Iraola’s squad mid-way through the upcoming pre-season tour of the United States. Alisson Becker will follow shortly behind them.
Meanwhile, Alexis Mac Allister and Victor Munoz remain deep in the tournament with Argentina edging Egypt 3-2 and Spain squeezing past Portugal thanks to a Mikel Merino strike, both players are bound for the final stages, meaning they likely won’t kick a ball for Liverpool until the squad returns to the UK in August.
We are used to seeing a settled Liverpool machine rolling into pre-season. This summer is entirely different.
Iraola has to evaluate what he has, integrate a blockbusting new defender in Jacquet, resolve the futures of peripheral figures like Elliott, and in-still an entirely new tactical identity all while his best players arrive in dribs and drabs.
It is a high-wire act, but the groundwork is being laid right now on the pitches of Kirkby. The Iraola era has officially begun, and the clock is ticking.