Liverpool's pre-season kicked off at Deepdale on July 13, 2025, with a friendly against Preston North End, marking their first match since being crowned Premier League champions. However, the game carried a somber tone following the recent tragic death of forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash earlier that month. Tributes were solemnly observed before kickoff, with supporters asked to be seated early to honor the memory of the late players. Liverpool also announced the retirement of Jota's iconic No. 20 shirt across all levels of the club, a poignant gesture reflecting the deep impact of his loss on the team and fans alike.
Manager Arne Slot faced a delicate balancing act in this opening outing, as the Reds' pre-season preparations had been disrupted, leading to several key absences. Notably, Liverpool's record signing Florian Wirtz, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a staggering $157 million (£116 million), was not included in the squad. Alongside him, captain Virgil van Dijk, goalkeeper Alisson, defender Ibrahima Konate, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, and winger Luis Diaz were all absent, undergoing individual training sessions at the club's Kirkby facility. This cautious approach was designed to manage player fitness carefully, avoiding any risks given the unusual and emotionally challenging start to pre-season.
Despite these absences, the lineup still featured several prominent names and exciting new talent. Giorgi Mamardashvili, the summer signing and only newcomer in the starting eleven, made his Liverpool debut between the posts. The goalkeeper sported the temporary squad number 55, one of six temporary numbers assigned to new signings for the pre-season fixtures, as the club awaits the finalization of official squad numbers later in the summer. Other new additions such as Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Freddie Woodman, and Armin Pecsi were named on the bench, also wearing temporary numbers ranging from 56 to 60.
The starting formation was a 4-2-3-1, with Mohamed Salah leading the attack, supported by young talents Rio Ngumoha on the left wing and Trey Nyoni operating in the number 10 role. Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai held the midfield positions, tasked with providing both defensive cover and creative spark. The defensive line included Conor Bradley at right-back, Kostas Tsimikas at left-back, and a central partnership of Joe Gomez and the promising Luca Stephenson. Federico Chiesa spearheaded the lone striker role, bringing experience and flair to Liverpool's forward line.
While Stefan Bajcetic remains sidelined due to injury, Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton are enjoying extended breaks after contributing to England's successful defense of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Their absence, alongside other key players, provided an opportunity for emerging talents to gain valuable minutes and experience in a competitive environment.
The pre-season friendly also served as a moment of reflection and healing for the Liverpool squad. Manager Arne Slot expressed the emotional weight of recent events, stating, "We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go. Maybe especially in difficult moments because of what I just said. But in any moment we are here, we will carry him with us in our thoughts and in our hearts. To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done." This heartfelt tribute underscored the unity and resilience within the club as they navigate this difficult period.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will regroup at the AXA Training Centre before embarking on a Far East tour, featuring matches against AC Milan and Yokohama FM in Hong Kong and Japan later in July. These fixtures will provide further opportunities for both established stars and new signings to integrate and build chemistry ahead of the demanding Premier League season.
The temporary squad numbers assigned to the new signings—Mamardashvili (55), Woodman (56), Kerkez (57), Wirtz (58), Frimpong (59), and Pecsi (60)—reflect the club's ongoing transfer activity and the fluid nature of the squad ahead of the new campaign. While Frimpong is expected to retain his familiar No. 30 shirt, numbers for others like Wirtz and Kerkez remain undecided, with speculation that Wirtz could inherit the No. 7 shirt if Luis Diaz departs as rumored. Several other squad numbers, including 6, 12, 13, 15, 16, 23, 24, 28, and 29, are currently available, hinting at possible changes as the transfer window progresses.
Despite the absence of some marquee names, Liverpool's opening pre-season match showcased a blend of experience and youth, with Mohamed Salah standing out in the starting lineup. The inclusion of promising youngsters like Ngumoha and Nyoni alongside seasoned professionals highlighted the club's commitment to nurturing talent while maintaining competitive standards. Fans were given a glimpse of the future as well as reassurance that the squad remains strong and adaptable.
In a season shadowed by loss but illuminated by hope, Liverpool's pre-season journey has begun with a mix of respect, renewal, and cautious optimism. As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, the legacy of Diogo Jota will continue to inspire and shape their path forward.
