Andoni Iraola just got first look at Mohamed Salah's protege as Liverpool transfer decision looms

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Andoni Iraola has had his first look at some of his Liverpool squad in training, including one player who could provide an alternative option to replace Mohamed Salah this summerAndoni Iraola has now seen the first few members of his Liverpool squad in trainingThe hard work has officially begun for Andoni Iraola, with Liverpool’s new head coach getting his first glimpse at his new squad this week.While the wider focus is still on the World Cup at the moment, with just a few games remaining until we find out who will reign supreme on the international stage, it won’t be long until all eyes turn back to the Premier League.Indeed, all but two of Liverpool’s players have already exited the tournament, and Iraola will soon have all of his stars to call upon, having had the first batch at the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday.It was only a small group that was greeted back to work yesterday, including new signing Jeremy Jacquet, while Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni continued to work on their recoveries from serious injuries.At such an early stage, there is little to nothing to glean from the first session of the summer, but in amongst those returning was one of the more intriguing transfer dilemmas Iraola and the club will face.Harvey Elliott shouldn’t really be at Liverpool right now. Having had his talent wasted for a year, he and Liverpool need to settle on what the next step in his career is.Harvey Elliott is back at Liverpool this summerCould that still be at Liverpool?

Mohamed Salah is gone, and recent attempts to secure a big-name signing have proved fruitless.Elliott is probably still unlikely to be the frontrunner to replace the Egyptian, but when the first and possibly second-choice transfer options have been ruled out, suddenly the two-time European U21 champion looks an increasingly attractive prospect.And working in his favor is that, for much of his time at Liverpool, Elliott has been something of a protege for Salah.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. He’s learning, I always try to push him in the gym and also practice after training and just do something extra because without working hard, we would not achieve something big,” Salah said of Elliott back in 2023.“But he’s having a good career and I’m sure he can have much better than that, but he just needs to put in the work and I’m happy for him.

I’m always next to his side and always tell him, if he wants to speak then come to me.“Sometimes you need to work as a coach for young players but I’m happy about it.”Mohamed Salah took Harvey Elliott under his wing at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)For a player of Salah’s stature to take an interest in a younger player suggests that they may have the potential to go on do something special. He has to do right by himself this summer, but with Salah’s backing, he could yet play himself back into contention at Anfield.