Liverpool may already have their short-term replacement for Hugo Ekitike sorted under Andoni Iraola
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Hugo Ekitike is out of action after suffering an injury against PSG towards the end of last season, and he is not expected to return until the end of 2026 at the latest.That leaves Liverpool with a dearth of natural centre-forward options heading into 2026/27, with an injury-prone Alexander Isak the only clear starter at present.Even if he hadn’t struggled with fitness issues throughout all of last term, Isak could not realistically play every single game from August to December. But rather than going out to sign a new striker this summer, new boss Andoni Iraola may well give Jayden Danns a chance to prove himself.
Which Liverpool youngster will make the biggest impact under Andoni Iraola and become a first-team member? Four really talented young players… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Dan Isitene/James Gill/Danehouse/Liverpool FC/Nick Taylor Jayden Danns returns to training and should feature for Liverpool in 2026/27The 20-year-old has three goals in 10 appearances for the Reds’ senior side, but struggled for minutes during Arne Slot’s time in the dugout.That was partly due to his injury woes, but also because Slot always seemed to be reluctant to give young players a real chance.Even Rio Ngumoha, who is clearly a serious talent with a very bright future, only began to start league games regularly at the end of 2025/26 when a number of senior players were unavailable.However, Iraola’s ability to work with and develop young players is much more impressive.
In turn, the Spaniard could well use Danns as his back-up nine for part of next season.After struggling for much of 2025/26, it has now emerged this week that Danns is back in training and will take part in pre-season as normal.He is already training with Rob Page’s U21 squad this week and should be among the young stars Iraola takes with him on Liverpool’s pre-season tour.Granted, he probably won’t be capable of starting a ton of Premier League matches, but giving him a chance off the bench and in cup matches over the next six months would make a lot of sense.Photo by Steven Halliwell/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesJurgen Klopp heaped praise on Jayden DannsFirstly, it saves Liverpool spending money on a striker who would become surplus to requirements once Ekitike is back around December/January.Secondly, despite only being 20, Danns has already been given the seal of approval by former boss Jurgen Klopp.Speaking back in 2024, the German compared the academy talent, who was only 18 at the time, to Luke Littler, saying: “It is [a] little bit like the new darts sensation, it is fine for tonight.“Tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner. [He’s an] exceptional talent.“Of course, it is not natural that a boy 18, is as calm as you like. The second goal calm as you like.”Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox