Liverpool on brink of welcoming back sensational star | OneFootball

Liverpool are to welcome back a truly top-class talent. The Reds shouldn't have to wait long.

Andoni Iraola is getting used to his new squad as best he can but it's an uphill struggle right now. Day one of the pre-season tour is finished and while that means the head coach has some idea of what's in front of him, it's not a very clear one.

Iraola, after all, is currently working with a group who didn't feature at the World Cup. That takes most of the presumed starting XI out of the picture.

More than that, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson all left the club this summer. None have been directly replaced and it's a little unclear whether Liverpool plan to do so.

Until decisions are made, Iraola can't possibly know what he's got to work with this coming season. And then there are the injuries!

Hugo Ekitike and Conor Bradley are out long-term. Potentially until the start of 2027, in fact. But there is apparently one little boost in that regard.

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James Pearce reports that Giovanni Leoni should be back soon. He's 'not far off' getting back to football, having been out since his debut last season.

A serious knee injury ruled Leoni out for the vast majority of the campaign and it will continue to do so. It seems we won't have to wait too much longer, though.

And what a boost that could be. Liverpool need Leoni as they're currently down a centre-back with Konate's exit. Jeremy Jacquet is something of a replacement for his compatriot, though the Reds did sign him believing Konate would stick around.

Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Jacquet and Leoni are set to be the centre-back options this season. That only works if they're all fit, of course, and Leoni's impending return is a massive boost there.

Especially as Liverpool do reportedly believe he's one of the best young centre-backs in world football. A sensational talent and one who could enjoy a breakout campaign if he recovers properly.