Andoni Iraola has brought 11 academy players to the United States as part of Liverpool’s first-team squad for a three-stop pre-season tour this month.
A total of 31 players flew to Chicago on Monday afternoon – including six carrying injuries – ahead of friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds.
Liverpool Pre-Season Tour Squad
Goalkeepers: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Davies, Hall
Defenders: Gomez, Jacquet, Ndukwe, Kerkez, Tsimikas, Frimpong, Chambers, Ramsay, Scanlon
Midfielders: Szoboszlai, Jones, Elliott, Nyoni, McConnell
Forwards: Ngumoha, Chiesa, Morrison, Wright, Abe, Koumas, Sonni-Lambie
Travelled with injury: Jaros, Leoni, Bradley, Endo, Bajcetic, Ekitike
To return later: Alisson, Van Dijk, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz, Gakpo, Munoz, Isak
With eight first-team regulars still absent due to their involvement at the World Cup, the clashes in Nashville, New York and Chicago will see a host of youngsters feature.
Liverpool have brought 11 academy talents with them to the United States – but who are they and who missed out?
Harvey Davies
HARROGATE, ENGLAND - Monday, September 23, 2024: Liverpool's goalkeeper Harvey Davies during the penalty shoot-out after the English Football League Trophy Northern Group E match between Harrogate Town AFC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Wetherby Road. The game ended 1-1. Harrogate won 4-2 on penalties. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
HARROGATE, ENGLAND - Monday, September 23, 2024: Liverpool's goalkeeper Harvey Davies during the penalty shoot-out after the English Football League Trophy Northern Group E match between Harrogate Town AFC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Wetherby Road. The game ended 1-1. Harrogate won 4-2 on penalties. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 22
Though strictly over-age when it comes to U21s football, Davies has returned to the academy ranks after a loan spell with Crawley last season.
With over five years’ experience of training and working in a first-team environment, the Scouser will provide valuable depth on tour with Alisson absent.
Bailey Hall
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 13, 2025: Liverpool's goalkeeper Bailey Hall during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Newcastle United FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. Newcastle won 4-3. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 13, 2025: Liverpool's goalkeeper Bailey Hall during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Newcastle United FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. Newcastle won 4-3. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 18
The fourth goalkeeper to travel, Hall was No. 1 for the U18s last season as well as making his U21s debut in October.
This will be the Sunderland-born stopper’s first time on a pre-season tour with the senior side.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Liverpool centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe completes his transfer from Austria Vienna. Credit: @as1sports (IG)
Liverpool centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe completes his transfer from Austria Vienna. Credit: @as1sports (IG)
Position: Centre-back
Age: 18
A £2.6 million signing from Austria Vienna this summer, Ndukwe made a strong impression on Iraola and his staff in the first week of pre-season.
Standing at 6’6″ and built like a veteran, the centre-back is not only strong in the air and on the ground but also quick and composed in possession.
Luke Chambers
BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Tuesday, December 5, 2023: Liverpool's Luke Chambers during the English Football League Trophy Round of 32 match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Valley Parade. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Propaganda)
BRADFORD, ENGLAND - Tuesday, December 5, 2023: Liverpool's Luke Chambers during the English Football League Trophy Round of 32 match between Bradford City AFC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Valley Parade. (Photo by Ed Sykes/Propaganda)
Position: Left-back
Age: 22
Another player who no longer qualifies for the U21s, this will likely be a make-or-break summer for Chambers when it comes to his future at Liverpool.
Impressive loan spells with Wigan and Charlton were blighted by injury but he is already a capable first-team left-back who can also provide cover at centre-back.
Calum Scanlon
MARTIGUES, FRANCE - Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon during an Under-19's friendly match between Olympique de Marseille Under-19's and Liverpool FC Under-19's at the Stade Francis Turcan. Marseille won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
MARTIGUES, FRANCE - Wednesday, January 21, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon during an Under-19's friendly match between Olympique de Marseille Under-19's and Liverpool FC Under-19's at the Stade Francis Turcan. Marseille won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Left-back
Age: 21
Scanlon could find himself in direct competition with Chambers when it comes to Iraola’s plans, as another left-back who is also able to fill in elsewhere.
Though having only turned 21 in February, he is physically ready for senior football and his attacking talent could catch the head coach’s eye in America.
James McConnell
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 25, 2024: Liverpool's James McConnell celebrates the winning goal in extra-time during the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 25, 2024: Liverpool's James McConnell celebrates the winning goal in extra-time during the Football League Cup Final match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Wembley Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0 after extra-time. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Central midfielder
Age: 21
With 13 first-team appearances already, McConnell can arguably no longer be classed as an academy player, but injuries and changes in the dugout mean he needs to prove himself again.
After a frustrating loan at Ajax last time around, he could look to cement himself as a long-term option for Liverpool.
Kieran Morrison
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's captain Kieran Morrison celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's captain Kieran Morrison celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Winger
Age: 19
Captain of the U21s and last season’s leading goalscorer, Morrison has stepped up remarkably in the past year, both in terms of what he offers on the pitch but also his responsibility off it.
With no established right winger in Iraola’s squad at this stage, the Northern Ireland international will have a big opportunity before Liverpool decide on a summer loan move.
Josh Abe
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)
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)
Position: Winger
Age: 16
The latest jewel in Liverpool’s academy, there are genuine hopes of Abe following in Rio Ngumoha‘s footsteps after committing his long-term future to the club amid interest from Man City, Man United and Chelsea.
A left-footed right winger with dazzling skill and a great burst of pace, he has just turned 16 and is already primed to be a regular for the U21s while supplementing the first-team squad.
Will Wright
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's Will Wright during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's Will Wright during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Striker
Age: 18
With Jayden Danns unavailable, the chance presents itself to Wright to secure a place in Iraola’s plans as Hugo Ekitike continues his recovery from a torn Achilles.
Wright is a multi-talented centre-forward whose finishing prowess – with both feet – is matched by his dribbling ability, work rate and creativity. Potential to be future No. 9.
Lewis Koumas
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Lewis Koumas during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Lewis Koumas during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Striker
Age: 20
Koumas joins Davies, Chambers, Scanlon and McConnell in a potential shop-window summer at Liverpool, with it clear the versatile forward is too good for academy football.
Having already played over 100 games for Liverpool, Stoke, Hull, Cardiff and Wales, if he doesn’t earn his place in the first-team squad this summer, there will be no shortage of suitors for a permanent deal.
Josh Sonni-Lambie
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's Josh Sonni-Lambie during the UEFA Youth League match between Internazionale Milano Under-19's and Liverpool FC Under-19's at the Konami Youth Development Centre. Inter won 5-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
MILAN, ITALY - Tuesday, December 9, 2025: Liverpool's Josh Sonni-Lambie during the UEFA Youth League match between Internazionale Milano Under-19's and Liverpool FC Under-19's at the Konami Youth Development Centre. Inter won 5-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Position: Striker
Age: 18
A possible sleeper hit for the summer, Sonni-Lambie found himself largely restricted to U18s football last season due to injuries to team-mates, but has long been ready to step up.
Though nominally a striker – and blessed with the finishing ability to match – the London-born teenager is more of a roaming forward who prefers to drop deep and influence play rather than waiting for chances to come to him.
And who missed out?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Mor Talla Ndiaye on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Mor Talla Ndiaye on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A host of other Liverpool academy players who could have been expected to make the squad – or at least be considered – have missed out for a variety of reasons.
Chief among those is 18-year-old centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye, who is firmly in Iraola’s thinking and could still make the trip later in the week.
Another who didn’t travel was goalkeeper Armin Pecsi, as he prepares to join TSV Hartberg on loan, along with the injured trio of Owen Beck, Jayden Danns and Kaide Gordon.
Wellity Lucky was also out of contention after recent fitness issues, while those simply overlooked include Kornel Misciur, Amara Nallo, Tommy Pilling and Keyrol Figueroa.
Liverpool are expected to finalise a raft of loans in the coming weeks but will also be wary of the need for numbers at U21s level.
Football – Liverpool’s new head coach Andoni Iraola
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Thursday, May 14, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola poses for an official photocall ahead of his first press conference at the AXA Training Centre. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)