Iraola Gives Fresh Chance to Elliott, Bajcetic, Tsimikas

Andoni Iraola has taken charge at Liverpool, declaring that every squad member is a new signing and promising a fresh start for the club. His remarks give Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic and Kostas Tsimikas a clear opportunity to re‑earn their places in the first‑team picture.

Iraola is approaching his inherited squad with an open mind, insisting he will judge each player on merit rather than reputation. He said, "For me, and I will tell them, they are all new signings. For me, you are all new signings, and I think we have a lot of quality in our squad, and I’m really looking forward to working with them."

Harvey Elliott’s progress stalled over the past two seasons, with limited minutes and a loan spell at Aston Villa that failed to deliver the expected breakthrough. At 23, the former Fulham youngster still possesses technical quality, creativity and a willingness to take responsibility, and pre‑season offers a chance to revive his Liverpool career.

Stefan Bajcetic emerged as one of Liverpool’s brightest prospects before injuries interrupted his momentum, turning a rapid rise into a prolonged fitness battle. He has already shortened his summer break to focus on conditioning, hoping the demanding Iraola will notice his readiness as midfield competition intensifies.

Kostas Tsimikas, the Greek international who has served as a dependable deputy, may see a larger role after Andy Robertson’s departure created a need for reliable left‑back depth. While Milos Kerkez is expected to start, Tsimikas returns from a loan at Roma with another year left on his contract and could become a valuable option for squad rotation.

James McConnell endured a disrupted spell after a move to Ajax failed to develop as anticipated, compounded by injury issues. Nevertheless, he remains highly regarded within Liverpool’s academy, has already made senior appearances, and will benefit from Iraola’s individual evaluation policy.