Liverpool are set to return to action this Sunday in an emotional pre-season opener against Preston North End at Deepdale. The match will be the club’s first outing since the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva just over a week ago.
Softfootball has confirmed that Liverpool have officially retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt in honour of the Portuguese star. A tribute is expected before kick-off, with both clubs joining in what promises to be a deeply moving occasion.
On the pitch, the game could mark the debut of as many as four new signings. According to reports from Standard Sports, club-record acquisition Florian Wirtz, is set to make his highly anticipated appearance following a £116 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 21-year-old is expected to feature in a central attacking role, flanked by Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, though he may also operate as a false nine, a position Federico Chiesa is equally keen to make his own.
Giorgi Mamardashvili, who agreed to join Liverpool last summer, is finally expected to make his debut. He could be shielded by a back four that includes fellow new arrivals Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, alongside club captain Virgil van Dijk.
Another new goalkeeper, Freddie Woodman, might also be in line, to feature less than two weeks after swapping Deepdale for Anfield. Promising youngsters James McConnell and Amara Nallo are also expected to see minutes as Arne Slot begins shaping his squad for the upcoming campaign.
As pre-season gets underway, Liverpool are working to complete their transfer business swiftly. Softfootball reports that the club remains keen on signing Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike to further bolster their attacking ranks. Outgoings are also being prioritised, with Darwin Núñez potentially on his way out of Anfield.
With anticipation building and emotions running high, Sunday’s fixture is set to be both a heartfelt tribute and a bold new beginning for a Liverpool side determined to compete on all fronts this season.
