Several Liverpool academy stars could make their mark in pre-season, with Andoni Iraola set to give an opportunity to some of the youngsters in the first few matches of the tour
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
23:08, 18 Jul 2026
Andoni Iraola, the new manager for English Premier League football side Liverpool, poses as he meets the media at the team's training ground
Andoni Iraola has some key decisions to make over his Liverpool academy options in pre-season(Image: (Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images))
Pre-season training is underway for Andoni Iraola, with the new Liverpool boss finally getting a hands-on look at some of his new players heading into the fresh campaign.
The Reds are yet to get all of their key stars back at the training ground, with the World Cup impacting when players will return after taking a rest from a tiring season.
To fill up the roster options, much of the team will be made up of academy stars, who have a chance to make a lasting impression on Iraola for consideration in his side moving forward.
A selection of those stars will be involved in the pre-season tour next week, which will see Liverpool take to the United States for three friendly matches.
Some of those academy prospects could end up shining for the Reds, so with that said, here's a look at six youngsters who could make a lasting impression in pre-season.
Jayden Danns
Jayden Danns of Liverpool running during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England
Jayden Danns has spent most of the season out with a hamstring injury(Image: Getty Images)
Young striker Jayden Danns could be in line for an opportunity in pre-season, with Hugo Ekitike out injured and Alexander Isak likely to return late due to his involvement in the World Cup.
The academy star missed most of last season through a hamstring injury, but his return to action and potential involvement for the team could see him earn a place in Iraola's thinking for the future.
The 20-year-old has had some taste of senior football, but is waiting for his breakthrough moment that could come for the Reds or elsewhere should he leave this summer.
Trey Nyoni
Trey Nyoni during the FA Cup fifth round match between Wolves and Liverpool.
Trey Nyoni during the FA Cup fifth round match between Wolves and Liverpool.(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Some Liverpool supporters will be familiar with Trey Nyoni now, with the youngster spending last season in the senior setup but without many guaranteed appearances to his name.
The midfielder made 12 appearances across all competitions and will be looking to build on that with some pre-season performances that could keep him in the conversation for minutes.
While there are plenty of key stars ahead of him in the midfield, the 19-year-old remains a player with plenty of potential for the future and could show as much to the new manager.
Lewis Koumas
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 2: Lewis Koumas of Liverpool portrait before the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool FC at City Ground on March 2, 2024 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Lewis Koumas is returning to Liverpool after loan spells(Image: Getty Images)
Lewis Koumas is one of the more experienced academy stars available to Iraola this summer, as the 20-year-old winger makes his return to Liverpool from loan spells at Birmingham City and Hull City.
For the latter, the youngster helped the team make a return to the Premier League with promotion via the play-offs, even though many of his appearances came from the bench.
Now back with the Reds, there is a chance for Koumas to show why he has already been given an opportunity at the senior level and could make an impact over the next season.
Joshua Abe
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 14: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Joshua Abe (7) of Liverpool celebrates scoring Liverpool's third goal during the U18 PL match at AXA Training Centre on February 14, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Joshua Abe could get his chance to impress on Liverpool's pre-season tour (Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
At just 16 years old, Joshua Abe has been touted as one of the next promising prospects to come through the Liverpool academy system.
Featuring on the right wing, Abe recently agreed to a deal that will keep him at Anfield for the foreseeable future, seeing off interest from the likes of Real Madrid.
Now, with his future dealt with, the star can show why he is so highly rated, with an opportunity to be the long-term successor to Mohamed Salah on the right flank.
Amara Nallo
Amara Nallo during a Premier League 2 game at Liverpool's Academy.
Amara Nallo during a Premier League 2 game at Liverpool's Academy.(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Amara Nallo has been handed a few opportunities to show his quality for Liverpool, but the defender faced troubles in his two appearances last season by picking up two unfortunate red cards.
With a fresh start, the 19-year-old could show why he has been in and around the first-team setup already and could fill in with the lack of defensive bodies available.
Will Wright
Will Wright of Liverpool during an U21 training session at AXA Training Centre on July 9 2026 in Kirkby
Will Wright of Liverpool during an U21 training session at AXA Training Centre on July 9 2026 in Kirkby(Image: Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
18-year-old striker Will Wright was signed by Liverpool last summer and made an appearance in pre-season, but spent the campaign with the under-21s.
Now, there is another chance for the former Salford ace to make an impact and work his way into Iraola's thinking during the pre-season preparations.
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Wright picked up six goals and five assists last season for the academy sides and will be looking to build on that in the near future.