Liverpool kick off their pre-season schedule on Sunday as they aim to prepare for the new season in the best way possible.
The Reds have been utterly rocked by the tragic death of Diogo Jota last week, making this summer a difficult and unusual one all around.
But, apologetically, the show must still go on. Liverpool have confirmed tributes will be paid to Jota before and during Sunday’s match against Preston as the Reds begin their fixture list.
In truth, it is not a long list with Liverpool playing just five matches, one of which is behind closed doors.
Two will be played in the Far East, with games against AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos set to take place in Hong Kong and Japan respectively.
And as the Liverpool squad prepare for a long and taxing journey to Asia, journalist David Lynch says they are likely to be joined by young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi.
Puskas Akademy goalkeeper Armin Pecsi in action against Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League play-off
Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images
Armin Pecsi set to join Liverpool tour
Like all the new signings at Liverpool this summer, Pecsi has walked into a really difficult situation.
However, the 21-year-old at least has countrymen Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez to count on for support, and the trio were seen paying their respects to Jota at his Anfield memorial on Thursday.
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In the meantime, Lynch took to his YouTube channel to confirm the expectation that Pecsi will be in and around the first team squad this summer.
“The expectation is that he’s not going to be the third choice goalkeeper,” says the journalist. “There was some debate around that when he first joined but of course we know Freddie Woodman’s joined now. The expectation is that that will be his role. They’re not going to throw Pecsi in like that, he’s probably going to be in and around the academy teams.”
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“But, he is still extremely highly rated and they do think this kid’s got a big future. And for good reason, really, because despite his tender years he was playing first team football in his native Hungary before moving to Liverpool and he was nominated for the Golden Boy award as well. So, one of the most highly rated young players in Europe and Liverpool have managed to snap him up.
“It’s my understanding he will be in and around the tour,” Lynch adds. “Because things might change with injuries, so it’s my expectation that he will go on tour. So, a big opportunity for him to impress Arne Slot.”
Liverpool’s new-look goalkeeping department
As Lynch points out, any game time for Pecsi this summer may depend on whether there are any injury issues within the wider squad.
As ever, Alisson Becker will begin the campaign as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, with new arrival Giorgi Mamardashvili set to play back-up.
Woodman has joined as the third-choice, and may feature throughout the summer in order to bed in in case he’s needed.
Pecsi looks likely to be next in line following Harvey Davies and Vitezslav Jaros’ loan moves to Crawley Town and Ajax respectively.
After the departure of Fabian Otte and Claudio Taffarel, Liverpool’s goalkeeping department will be run by returning coach Xavi Valero.