Online Reporter
Andoni Iraola has scrapped plans for Trey Nyoni to head out on loan. So could this be the season he stakes a claim?
Trey Nyoni has gone from being pretty much a fringe figure at Liverpool to one of the most talked-about players in pre-season, and Zimbabwean football fans have every reason to pay close attention. The 19-year-old midfielder was born in Reading to Zimbabwean parents and is being tipped for success in the coming years. Under new Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, Nyoni looks set to be given a role in the first team for the first time, with the 2026/27 campaign his breakout season.
From The Leicester Academy To Anfield
Nyoni’s route to Liverpool actually began at Leicester City, where he rose through the youth ranks. A £1 million move to Anfield came about in 2023, with the fee set at a tribunal, and he wasted little time in making history as he became the club’s youngest player to feature in the FA Cup, and then months later, the youngest in European competition.
Under Arne Slot, it’s fair to say that Nyoni’s development stalled. Last season, he made six appearances in the Premier League, three in the Champions League, three in the FA Cup and two in the Carabao Cup. However, this total playing time was only 237 minutes. It led many to believe that the logical next step was a loan.
Iraola’s Arrival Changed Everything
The plan for Nyoni to head out on loan seems to have been ripped up. It was suggested that there were loan offers in January and again recently, but Iraola has apparently shown faith in Nyoni and wants him to be part of the first-team squad this season. The midfielder has repaid the faith shown in him by his new manager through his impressive pre-season performances, which have caught the eye of many.
It’s expected that Curtis Jones won’t be a Liverpool player for much longer, with Inter Milan continuing in their efforts to sign him. With the latest sports betting odds suggesting Liverpool will be in the hunt for silverware this season, Nyoni staying put could be key following Jones’ departure.
A Zimbabwean Talent To Watch
While Nyoni qualifies for England and has represented the Three Lions across the younger age groups, he does remain eligible to switch allegiance to Zimbabwe through his parents, a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed. Zimbabwean football fans and media have followed him closely, especially since he moved to Liverpool and broke into the first-team squad.
It will be interesting to see how things turn out for Nyoni this season. If he gets the playing time many expect him to get under Iraola, he could force his way into the senior England picture sooner rather than later, as the Three Lions will be keen to tie him down. However, if he’s doing well and not receiving England recognition, he could look to switch to Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
Calling the 2026/27 season Nyoni’s breakout campaign at this stage could be considered premature. However, the fact that he hasn’t been loaned out, and Iraola is set to involve him in the first team, with Jones heading for the exit, means it will be his breakout campaign if he takes the opportunities given to him. If he can do that, by the end of the season, there’s no reason why he can’t be a first-team regular.
