In the lead-up, Liverpool’s squad depth has been a talking point among fans and analysts. The pre-season period saw some adjustments, including an additional training presence from veteran defender Tommy Elphick during the USA tour, aimed at addressing short-term squad availability. Despite a leaner squad, Iraola has used the opportunity to assess the wealth of youth talent within the club’s ranks.
During his time at Bournemouth, Iraola developed a reputation for placing trust in young players, and he appears to be applying a similar approach at Liverpool. Notable names linked with promotion or increased opportunities include Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi, Eli Junior Kroupi, and players such as Rayan and Alex Scott, who have been highlighted in past assessments of his development philosophy.
With key senior players returning to training, including Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, and Victor Munoz, the depth within the squad is gradually strengthening. However, ongoing recruitment is anticipated to further bolster the ranks as Iraola implements his plans.
Five young players are expected to be promoted to the first-team squad for the 2026/27 season. The first name commonly highlighted is Trey Nyoni, a 19-year-old who already earned senior minutes in pre-season friendlies and has featured prominently in earlier summer fixtures. There is speculation that Nyoni could be considered for a starting role in the season opener against Newcastle United if he continues progressing well.
Another player expected to be promoted is Ifeanyi Ndukwe. While promotion is notable, there are discussions around a potential loan move for Ndukwe to help him gain the necessary competitive match experience and meet any regulatory requirements for long-term UK work eligibility.
Kieran Morrison, Lewis Koumas, and Luke Chambers are also reported to be integrating with the first-team group during training sessions. Of these, Koumas has been singled out by observers for possessing the technical quality and understanding of Iraola’s pressing style, suggesting he could be a highly valuable asset in the near term.
As the squad continues to take shape, the focus remains on balancing immediate impact with long-term development. Iraola’s track record with young players suggests a pathway for several emerging talents to earn meaningful minutes in the coming season, while the club also pursues necessary signings to reinforce depth across all competitions.
