Interview'I called my mum first!' - Josh Sonni-Lambie's first tour with Liverpool

The Liverpool Academy striker had just been informed he was going to be part of the Reds squad travelling to the USA for a two-week pre-season tour.

“Last week, a group of us were training with the first team for a couple days, and then I found out Saturday evening, we just got a message, I got told I was coming to America,” he explains to Liverpoolfc.com in Chicago.

“So, first thing I just called my mum and then told my dad when I got home. I was just so happy. It’s just amazing.

“The first couple of days has been good, a very good experience and I’m just very happy to be here.”

Sonni-Lambie’s chance to impress new head coach Andoni Iraola came after his most prolific season with the club to date.

He was on the scoresheet 21 times across all competitions at U18 level in 2025-26.

That form earned him a nomination for U18 Premier League Player of the Season and a debut with Liverpool’s U21s along the way.

“Every game I played in I just wanted to score and make sure I helped the team and do as much as I can,” the 18-year-old reflects on last term.

“Hopefully I can just carry that into this season and strive forward.

“I had a lot of chances, so I feel like I should have scored more! But 21 is my highest ever season I would say, so I’m happy with 21 for that season.”

The Reds’ preparations for the upcoming campaign are now in full swing, with double sessions on the schedule this week in the States.

So, how does it feel for a young player to step up to an increased intensity alongside established and experienced professionals?

“It’s tough and especially with the heat as well, it’s very hot out here. You’ve just got to get used to it,” says Sonni-Lambie in this chat on Wednesday.

“We’re here for two weeks so by tomorrow or the next day I should get used to it, and the time difference as well.

“It’s basically my first time showing myself in front of a manager properly, so I’ve just got to give it my all and hopefully impress them.”

Three fixtures await Liverpool during their time in the USA, beginning with a game against Sunderland in Nashville this Saturday.

They subsequently face Wrexham at New York’s Yankee Stadium, then meet Leeds United back in Chicago.

Opportunity could knock for Sonni-Lambie; any time on the pitch during those matches would be his first representing the Reds’ senior side.

“It’d just be amazing just to play for this club,” he concludes. “It will be amazing for me and my family.

“So, if I get minutes, I’ve just got to take it. And I can’t wait.”

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