The first day of Liverpool’s pre-season is always big news — but this year, it carried more weight than usual.
As the squad returned to training following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, the atmosphere was naturally quieter than upbeat.
A private visit to the Anfield memorial led by Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker marked a heartfelt moment for the team and the new arrivals.
Among those spotted were Liverpool’s fresh signings — Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez — stepping into life as Reds for the first time. And of course, eagle-eyed fans noticed what they were wearing.
Yes, we’re talking squad numbers. Because if there’s one thing that sparks fan chatter during pre-season, it’s who’s got what on the back of their training shirt.
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What Jersey numbers were Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez had in pre-season training
In photos from the club’s training base, Wirtz was seen wearing number 59 while Kerkez trained in 57. While these numbers aren’t likely to be permanent, they do offer the first glimpse of how Arne Slot is blending his new players into the group.
No, it’s not quite shirt-selling season yet. These early pre-season numbers are mostly for internal use, especially when the full squad isn’t final. Still, for fans hungry for clues, they’re a fun way to feel involved. And let’s be honest, every supporter has once refreshed a photo 20 times to figure out who’s in the background.
The numbers may change—Liverpool are still finalizing their squad and will switch to Adidas kits from August. But Wirtz and Kerkez clearly aren’t waiting in the wings. They’re already part of the mix, shoulder to shoulder with the squad.
Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly is set for Sunday at Deepdale against Preston North End. It’s more than just a game—it’s a moment of tribute and the first step forward.
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