Liverpool began their journey back to Merseyside on Sunday after a commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester United in their final friendly of the pre-season tour in the United States.
While the team was en route home, several Reds stars reported back to the AXA Training Centre to commence their preparations for the new season.
Diogo Jota, Ibrahima Konate, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister rejoined their teammates in the U.S. after extended participation in Euro 2024 and Copa America.
Despite this, Liverpool coach Arne Slot was still missing seven senior players during the club’s time Stateside due to their international commitments.
The Reds typically grant players a three-week break following summer tournaments, although some, like Mac Allister, return early.
He joined his teammates on Friday after winning Copa America last month.
Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo all returned to the AXA Training Centre on Sunday after their summer breaks.
The Liverpool captain, Van Dijk, appeared in good spirits, greeting the staff with, “Good morning, good morning. Welcome home,” as he entered the training complex.
Gakpo also warmly welcomed the club’s media team with, “My friends! How are you?” before embracing employees behind the camera.
Nunez and Diaz were seen on camera greeting staff in the canteen, wishing everyone a good morning.
Alexander-Arnold and Gomez were spotted arriving in the canteen in a 66-second clip shared on social media, before joining Van Dijk and Gakpo at a table to catch up.
While most of the players have returned to training, Alisson Becker is yet to return following Brazil’s Copa America quarter-final exit.
Slot is expected to have his full squad back at the AXA Training Centre by Tuesday.
As the team resumes training, some of the returning players are likely to discuss their futures with club officials.
Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold, along with Mohamed Salah, are out of contract next year.
Although there is currently no indication that any of them will leave this summer, further discussions about their future plans will be necessary.
Alexander-Arnold and Gakpo are also expected to discuss their roles for the upcoming season with Slot, if these discussions haven’t already occurred.
The Dutchman has already spoken with Nunez about the role he envisions for the striker.
Gomez’s future is uncertain following news of a potential swap deal with Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon at the end of June, which would have seen Gomez move in the opposite direction.
Gomez is aware of these developments and faces a decision regarding his future amid interest from several other clubs.
Diaz has also been the subject of speculation for months, with ongoing interest from Barcelona.
Although Liverpool are well-stocked on the left wing, their interest in Gordon raises questions about Diaz’s long-term future at Anfield.
Additionally, discussions will be held regarding several players who travelled to the U.S. Recent bids for Wataru Endo, Sepp van den Berg, Bobby Clark, and Fabio Carvalho have been rejected, and internal talks will be conducted with Ben Doak and his representatives following loan interest from Leicester City and Southampton.
Tyler Morton is attracting interest from RB Leipzig and Atalanta, while Owen Beck, James McConnell, and Jayden Danns are also reportedly being monitored by potential suitors, either for loan or permanent transfers.
Welcome back lads 🤜🤛 pic.twitter.com/4XOWMn5n22
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 4, 2024
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