Liverpool will fly to Hong Kong on Sunday for a 10-day pre-season tour of Asia as they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign under head coach Arne Slot.
The tour will feature an intense training schedule in hot, humid conditions, plus friendly matches in Hong Kong and Japan.
Liverpool’s first match is against AC Milan in the Standard Chartered Trophy on July 26 at Hong Kong’s new 50,000-capacity Kai Tak Stadium—a state-of-the-art venue with a retractable roof and air conditioning, offering relief from the expected 30°C heat and high humidity.
Milan, now managed by Massimiliano Allegri, recently signed Luka Modric from Real Madrid, adding experience to their squad.
Following the Hong Kong fixture, Liverpool will travel to Tokyo for a match against J1 League side Yokohama F Marinos on July 30 at the 72,000-capacity Nissan Stadium.
This marks Liverpool’s first visit to Japan since the 2005 Club World Championship final.
Unlike last year’s U.S. tour, Liverpool will travel with a strong squad including key figures such as captain Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson, and record signing Florian Wirtz, who missed last weekend’s friendly.
The squad was adjusted following the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with some players opting for individual training at Kirkby.
Young talents Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton, recently crowned European Under-21 champions with England, are expected to rejoin the group soon amid speculation about their futures.
Summer signings Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman will also participate, gaining vital time to adapt to Slot’s tactics and integrate off the pitch.
Liverpool enjoy immense popularity in the Far East. The Hong Kong game sold out rapidly despite ticket prices ranging from HK$399 to HK$2,499 (£38–£238).
The city’s official Liverpool supporters’ club, with around 700 members, is eagerly preparing to welcome the team and commemorate Diogo Jota with a tribute during the match.
In Japan, the official Liverpool supporters’ club have raised over ¥1.2million (£6,000) to fund flags and banners.
Japanese fans, including club secretary Yumiko Tamaru, are excited to witness Liverpool’s first visit in nearly two decades, hoping to create a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of Anfield’s Kop.
The presence of Japan captain and Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo adds to the anticipation.
The tour also serves important commercial purposes. Liverpool recently signed a multi-million-pound partnership with Japan Airlines, which will be the official airline for the trip.
Shirt sponsor Standard Chartered maintains a strong presence in Asia, and the tour offers opportunities to engage sponsors and expand the club’s footprint following Liverpool’s Premier League title win.
Liverpool legends and ambassadors such as Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Sami Hyypia, and Jerzy Dudek will join the tour for fan events, helping ease the schedule for players.
Liverpool will wear last season’s Nike kit during the tour, as the new Adidas deal only starts on August 1.
New signings have been assigned temporary squad numbers for pre-season matches.
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