​Liverpool are set to head off on their preseason tour of the United States in the near future, with the Reds under new boss Andoni Iraola preparing for three friendlies on American soil against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds United. As the FIFA World Cup continues and teams that were eliminated during the tournament enjoy their post-season breaks, preseason at the AXA Training Ground has seen limited numbers during the initial phase of testing. The makeup of the squad has also been influenced by the absence of Mohamed Salah and an injury setback to Hugo Ekitike, turning the summer window into a valuable opportunity for several forward players to stake a claim.
Two young talents in particular, Josh Abe and Kieran Morrison, are reported to be travelling with the first-team squad for the trip, according to The Athletic. They’ll be hoping to catch Iraola’s eye as the new manager assesses his options up front. Abe, aged 15, has recently signed a fresh contract with Liverpool, with plans already in place to extend his deal further when he turns 17 next year. The club have signalled their intention to begin integrating Abe into the first-team environment during the upcoming season, and he has already trained with the seniors on occasion.
Morrison has grown significantly in stature over the past 12 months, moving from youth football to featuring for the first team. An attacking midfielder who typically operates from the right, Morrison’s immediate next step is likely to involve a loan move. The 19-year-old Northern Ireland international has just sealed a new contract extending to 2030 and has shown ample potential that could translate into a viable senior career. Reports from The Athletic note that clubs across the Premier League, the Championship, and Europe have expressed interest in a temporary move for Morrison, underscoring the market’s appetite to assess him in a competitive setting.
The US tour presents Morrison with a prime stage to demonstrate his abilities and attract attention from potential loan destinations. With Salah’s departure opening up a gap on the right wing, Morrison could be afforded significant minutes and a chance to raise his profile during preseason matches, a factor highlighted by observers as potentially beneficial in generating interest ahead of any prospective loan arrangement later in the summer window. While it may still be early for Morrison to command a regular first-team role, the right loan could unlock opportunities for him to showcase his talent and development under Iraola’s leadership.
As Liverpool prepare for the trip overseas, the emphasis remains on talent development and the strategic use of loan fits to balance short-term needs with long-term growth. The departure of Salah has created a vacancy on the right side of the attack, and Morrison’s inclusion in the squad signals the club’s intent to extend opportunities to academy graduates capable of stepping up when given the chance. The preseason tour to the United States will thus function as a crucial proving ground for Morrison, Abe, and other up-and-coming talents as Iraola builds his squad ahead of a demanding season in domestic and European competition.