Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States has come to an end, and while it’s important not to overreact to friendly matches, the tour has provided Andoni Iraola with a valuable opportunity to assess his squad.
Some players have enhanced their chances of playing a significant role this season.
Others, however, have left me wondering whether their Liverpool careers are approaching the end.
These are the five players I think Liverpool should seriously consider moving on before the transfer window closes.
5\. Kostas Tsimikas
Kostas Tsimikas has been a loyal servant to Liverpool.
Whenever he has been called upon, his commitment has never been in doubt.
However, watching Milos Kerkez during pre-season has highlighted just how big the gap has become.
Kerkez brings relentless intensity, pace and aggression—qualities that fit perfectly with Andoni Iraola’s football.
Tsimikas simply cannot match that level of energy.
If Liverpool need a backup left-back, I would actually trust Luke Chambers to fill that role rather than keeping Tsimikas around.
4\. James McConnell
This isn’t because James McConnell isn’t a talented footballer.
He is.
The problem is that Trey Nyoni now appears to have overtaken him.
Nyoni has looked outstanding throughout pre-season and already seems closer to becoming a regular first-team player.
Liverpool are also expected to strengthen in midfield.
At McConnell’s age, sitting on the bench helps nobody.
He needs regular football, whether that’s on loan or elsewhere permanently.
3\. Federico Chiesa
This is probably the most disappointing name on my list.
Nobody can question Federico Chiesa’s effort.
Every time he pulls on the Liverpool shirt, he gives absolutely everything.
Unfortunately, effort alone is not enough.
Liverpool need forwards capable of consistently producing goals, assists and decisive moments.
Too often Chiesa flatters to deceive.
If Liverpool receive a reasonable offer, I think they should reinvest the money in a more versatile attacker capable of making a bigger impact over an entire season.
2\. Harvey Elliott
I know this opinion won’t be popular.
Harvey Elliott is a wonderfully gifted footballer.
Technically, he is exceptional.
But the question Liverpool must ask is whether he fits this squad.
His best position is through the middle.
The problem is that Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai are already ahead of him there.
Out wide, Elliott lacks the pace and physicality that seem central to Iraola’s style.
The issue isn’t whether Elliott is talented.
It’s whether he is one of the best 18 players in a squad expected to challenge for every trophy.
I’m not convinced.
1\. Curtis Jones
This is the biggest surprise.
Before pre-season began, I genuinely believed Curtis Jones could become one of Iraola’s biggest success stories.
Instead, the tour has left me with serious doubts.
His performance against Leeds was disappointing, but more concerning was the overall impression his attitude gave during the tour.
Whether frustration over his future has played a part, only Jones knows.
But if he genuinely wants to leave, I think Liverpool should let him go.
Sometimes both the player and the club benefit from a fresh start.
Tough Decisions Build Strong Squads
None of these opinions take away from what these players have contributed to Liverpool.
Several have been excellent servants.
Others still have plenty of quality.
But elite football is about making difficult decisions.
If Liverpool are serious about building a squad capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League under Andoni Iraola, sentiment cannot come before progress.
For me, these are the five players whose futures should now be away from Anfield.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Liverpool’s recruitment team reach the same conclusion.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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