During the 2025/26 club season, Liverpool had several first team contributors as well as youngsters out on loan across the globe. With the season concluded, those players are now set to return to England.
Not all of those players are promised any sort of future at Anfield, but there are a few players that were out on loan that could have a fighting chance to stick at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola.
Let's take a look at the players with the best chance to stay at Anfield upon returning from their loan spells.
Harvey Elliott
It was a largely difficult campaign at Aston Villa for Elliott, who was frozen out of matches for the majority of the season. The now 23-year old made only nine appearances across all competitions as manager Unai Emery marked him early on as a non-fit in his system.
This was not the season that Elliott saw for himself when he bet on himself getting more minutes away from Liverpool under Arne Slot.
The attacking midfielder's positional versatility would have surely been welcome at Anfield this season with all the injuries that ripped through the squad.
Now, returning to Merseyside following a dismal loan stint with the Europa League winners, there is perhaps no other fringe player that stands to benefit the most from the appointment of Andoni Iraola.
Elliott is a technically gifted footballer. That is not a doubt, as we've seen him perform at the highest level. His work rate and desire to drive forward on the ball make him an appealing option in the Iraola system being brought in.
Kostas Tsimikas
Speaking of failed loan stints, the 'Greek Scouser' did not have a good time of it in 2025/26 while on loan at AS Roma in Serie A.
The 30-year old left-back made 25 total appearances across Serie A and the Europa League. While that might sound like a decent amount of game time, Tsimikas only played in one of Roma's final 7 league fixtures as they secured Champions League football for next season.
In fact, of his 18 Serie A appearances, he only played 90 minutes one time. He was largely used as a substitute or spot starter.
Now returning to Liverpool, it will be interesting to see if the Reds simply want to recoup some kind of profit for him or if he is seen as a useful option behind Milos Kerkez.
With the departure of Andy Robertson, there is now a lack of depth on the left side of defense. While the right-back spot has gotten the most attention, Liverpool must address the options behind Kerkez, and Kostas could fit the bill there for at least this coming season.
Lewis Koumas
The Welsh international, who recently scored his first goal for his country, has been one of the most successful loan stories in recent years from a Liverpool perspective.
He has played nearly 100 times in the EFL Championship over the last two seasons. Most recently, he was a consistent option for newly promoted Hull City.
The invaluable experience he has gotten playing for Stoke, Birmingham and Hull will have prepared him for the rigors of professional football at the top level. Still only 20, it is very possible he goes out on loan again, but Iraola could give him a good look during preseason before deciding.
Koumas can play on the wing or through the middle, and it is this versatility that could make him slightly more appealing to the incoming staff.
He would not displace the likes of Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike, but could he warrant 18-25 appearances in domestic cups and occasional league action? Absolutely.
Honorable Mentions: Vitezslav Jaroš, Luke Chambers, Isaac Mabaya
None of the above players are likely to force themselves into the Liverpool XI for 2026/27, but they could be very useful assets during a long campaign across several competitions. Elliott and Tsimikas in particular could be useful because of their experience at the highest levels of the game.
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