Liverpool have handed out temporary squad numbers to their six summer signings as the team prepares to return to action for the first time since securing the Premier League title.
The Reds will face Preston North End this Sunday at Deepdale in their opening pre-season friendly of the summer.
This match will be Liverpool’s first since the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota on July 3.
While the club’s thoughts remain with Jota’s family, manager Arne Slot has pledged that the team will do everything possible to honour the memory of the Portuguese international.
This summer, Liverpool have bolstered their squad with six new arrivals, including record signing Florian Wirtz, his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jeremie Frimpong, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. Goalkeepers Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, and Armin Pecsi complete the group of new recruits.
With player departures expected before the new season kicks off and official squad numbers yet to be confirmed for the Premier League campaign, the club has announced that all six newcomers will wear temporary numbers during pre-season, starting with the game against Preston.
At Deepdale, the temporary numbers will be assigned as follows: Mamardashvili No. 55, Woodman No. 56, Kerkez No. 57, Wirtz No. 58, Frimpong No. 59, and Pecsi No. 60.
Additionally, on Friday, Liverpool confirmed they have retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt across all levels of the club, including the women’s and youth teams, as a lasting tribute following his passing.
FSG’s CEO of Football Michael Edwards said: “I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person.
“By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.
“Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20.
“As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
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Arne Slot pays emotional tribute as Liverpool retire Diogo Jota’s no. 20 shirt
