Arguably the main takeaway from Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the United States that wrapped up over the weekend was the way that it highlighted just how thin and unbalanced Liverpool’s squad has become under the guidance of sporting director Richard Hughes.
Having ended last season in rather concerning shape, veteran stalwarts including Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konaté, and Mohamed Salah have all departed. With two weeks to go until the 2026-27 season kicks off, only Victor Muñoz has been signed.
A depth crisis, though, could also be an opportunity.
For Liverpool’s youth and fringe players, there’s a chance to impress new head coach Andoni Iraola. And on that front, few were more impressive on tour than 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni, with the youngster proving a clam and composed presence at the base of midfield.
“Over the summer I knew I had a lot to improve,” Nyoni reflected after the team returned to England to continue their preparations at the AXA training centre. “I’ve tried to work on it over the summer and come back and give myself the best chance possible this pre-season.
“Obviously I still need to keep improving, keep developing each game, but so far it’s been all right—but we’re still learning the system so we’ll keep progressing. I think that obviously there’s a few new guys and obviously a new manager, too, so I feel like it’s been a good tour.”
As things stand, Ryan Gravenberch is the undisputed first choice at the base of midfield, but along with veteran Wataru Endo—a player who never seemed to have won over former head coach Arne Slot—there’s a real chance to lock down the role as Iraola’s first alternate there.
After getting the full coming week to focus on training, fitness, and to start to integrate the final wave of returning World Cup stars, Nyoni and Liverpool will continue their preparations for the 2026-27 season on Sunday when they welcome Ligue 1 side Monaco to Anfield.
