Andoni Iraola has begun work at the AXA Training Centre, but the bulk of his Liverpool squad will not report until next week, July 14, ahead of a flight to the United States on July 20. The summer schedule is critical for the Reds as they seek to rebound from a disappointing campaign.
Jeremy Jacquet: Integrating the £60m Signing
Turning 21 on Monday and fresh from shoulder surgery that ended his season in February, new £60m signing Jeremy Jacquet may feel some apprehension. However, Liverpool's hierarchy sanctioned the deal confident he can handle the pressure. With Giovanni Leoni still recovering from an ACL injury sustained 10 months ago, Jacquet is expected to start alongside Joe Gomez at centre-back during pre-season.
Jacquet's official unveiling last week showed his eagerness to impress. Getting him up to speed to partner Virgil van Dijk in the Premier League is a key task for Iraola. At Bournemouth, the Basque coach improved Dean Huijsen, leading to a Spain call-up and a £60m move to Real Madrid, setting a precedent for developing young defenders. As the only summer signing on tour, Jacquet will attract attention, even in non-competitive games designed for fitness.
Curtis Jones: Seeking Clarity on His Future
Curtis Jones' future remains uncertain after Liverpool rejected two approaches from Inter Milan. The second offer, launched last month, fell short of £22m, while the Reds are reluctantly willing to sell at around £35m. With a valuation gap, progress seems unlikely, and Jones could be swayed by Iraola's plans when they meet next week.
The England international has been on holiday in Mallorca with his fiancée but will report back to the AXA Training Centre next week. With Alexis Mac Allister at the World Cup and Ryan Gravenberch on vacation, a midfield spot could be open for Jones if he impresses. Interested parties like Inter and Aston Villa sense a lack of game-time could open the door to a transfer, but the Academy graduate would prefer to stay. Iraola will need assurances that Jones is ready for a fresh start; their internal conversations could be crucial.
Rio Ngumoha: A New Position on the Right?
Liverpool's pursuit of wingers has led to triggering a £34.5m release clause for Victor Munoz and offering £86m for Yan Diomande, both left-sided players. Interest in Bradley Barcola also focuses on the left. While the Reds seek Mohamed Salah's successor on the right, spending huge sums on a player for a new position is uneasy. The idea of using Rio Ngumoha as a right-sided attacker has been floated internally.
Ngumoha enjoyed a breakout last summer, scoring his first Premier League goal days before his 17th birthday in a 3-2 win at Newcastle. He ended the season as a Liverpool starter and an England international, narrowly missing a World Cup spot after a player-of-the-match performance against New Zealand. These performances reinforced Liverpool's determination to reward him with a new contract when he turns 18 in late August. Bayern Munich have monitored the situation, but Liverpool intend to keep him.
Ngumoha's cameo for England came on the right side, and while modern football often sees wide forwards invert, there is discussion about using him as a traditional winger, delivering dangerous crosses. Given his lack of senior experience, Iraola may feel Ngumoha can be reshaped. Long term, Liverpool need to unlock £125m striker Alexander Isak, and getting Ngumoha on the right could be one way to create more chances. Iraola's reputation for improving young forwards at Bournemouth bodes well for this project.
