Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Slot revealed that the trio, signed for a combined £200 million, have impressed in training and could feature in the 3:00 p.m. BST kickoff, offering supporters a first look at his revamped squad.
The news, alongside the return of stars like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, has sent excitement soaring as Liverpool gear up for their Premier League title defense.
The inclusion of Wirtz, a £126 million acquisition from Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong, signed for £34 million from the same club, and Kerkez, a £40 million addition from Bournemouth, underscores Liverpool’s ambition to build on their 2024/25 championship.
Wirtz, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, is expected to shine in the No. 10 role, potentially linking up with Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo in midfield as Slot tests his 3-4-3 system.
Frimpong’s attacking dynamism at right-back fills the void left by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, while Kerkez’s marauding runs on the left challenge Andy Robertson’s starting spot. Fans are buzzing, with many calling the trio “game-changers” for a squad aiming to dominate domestically and in the Champions League.
The match carries emotional weight following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier this month. After discussions with Preston, Liverpool opted to proceed with the friendly, planning tributes including a minute’s silence and black armbands to honor Jota.
Slot emphasized the team’s resolve, stating, “We’re playing for Diogo and the fans. The new lads have shown great character, and we’re ready to start strong.” The game, broadcast free on ITV, will likely see Slot rotate heavily, giving youngsters like James McConnell and Trey Nyoni a chance to shine alongside the new signings.
Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Preston, a Championship side with two pre-season games already played, could test Liverpool’s new defensive setup with their physicality.
The emotional toll of Jota’s passing and ongoing transfer rumors surrounding Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz add complexity to squad cohesion. However, Slot’s decision to field his marquee signings early has fans hopeful that Liverpool can lay down a marker for the season ahead.
With an Asia tour and the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10 looming, this match offers a critical opportunity to integrate Wirtz, Frimpong, and Kerkez, setting the tone for a campaign filled with high expectations.
