Andoni Iraola said Liverpool's 4-2 loss to Leeds in Chicago was the most useful friendly, praising the first‑half performance but noting a negative second half. The team conceded six goals in three US matches, four of them in 25 minutes against Leeds, underlining defensive fragility.

Defence remains thin; Virgil van Dijk is back in training but the squad lacks depth at centre‑back as Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni are unavailable and the new signing Jeremy Jacquet has yet to play. Conor Bradley is still out, and the club must bring in experienced centre‑backs.

Midfield looks solid with Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister phased into plans, while Curtis Jones’ Inter move edges closer. Off‑the‑pitch, the club is targeting Bradley Barcola for a £100m strike‑option and has signed Victor Munoz for £34m, signalling a willingness to invest.

With the Premier League launch at Newcastle imminent, Liverpool must shore up their backline and secure new signings before the season starts, or risk a shaky start despite the summer’s promising moments.