Pre-season training is officially underway for Liverpool at the AXA Training Centre this week. 

After reclaiming the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first year, the challenge is now not only to defend their crown, but to build a squad capable of sustaining success across all competitions. 

The Dutchman’s arrival marked the beginning of a new chapter at Anfield. 

Last season, he quickly stamped his authority on the side, bringing fresh tactical clarity, renewed energy and a sense of collective purpose. 

Liverpool 2025-26 pre-season begins — what to expect	All you need to know ahead of 2025/26 Liverpool pre-season	Liverpool pre-season fixtures in full as players begin return to training

This summer is the continuation of that project and as Liverpool move proactively in the transfer market, Slot is shaping a team more deliberately in his own image. 

Florian Wirtz has been the standout buy thus far, arriving from Bayer Leverkusen in a club-record fee which could eventually rise to £116m. 

He is joining the club alongside club teammate and friend, Jeremie Frimpong and left-back, Milos Kerkez. 

Goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili has also officially become a Red, completing the deal agreed from twelve months ago with Spanish side, Valencia. 

Meanwhile, Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah have moved on in search of regular football and more changes are expected before the window shuts. 

With Liverpool set to return to action against Preston North End this Sunday, the fixture will offer an early glimpse into how Arne Slot intends to integrate his summer additions, and which individuals could make a breakthrough into the first team. 

Among them are five that invite added intrigue in the coming weeks. 

FLORIAN WIRTZLiverpool FC/Getty Images.

Florian Wirtz emerges as perhaps the most compelling players to watch in Liverpool’s pre-season schedule. 

Arriving for a club-record fee, the German brings a blend of technical brilliance, tactical awareness and goalscoring ability that perfectly suited Arne Slot’s system. 

Known for his sharp vision and quick decision-making, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to unlock defences with incisive passes and intelligent movement. 

Pre-season will be pivotal for Wirtz to acclimate to the physical demands and forge vital chemistry with Liverpool’s attacking unit to ensure a smooth integration. 

Beyond being Liverpool’s record signing, the midfielder is set to be the creative heartbeat, posing as an influential figure as the club prepare for a league title defence. 

JAMES MCCONNELL

James McConnell has steadily emerged as one of the Reds’ promising young midfield talents. 

Heavily likened by Arne Slot, McConnell is known for his tactical intelligence and versatility to operate as both a number six and box-to-box midfielder. 

This pre-season represents a critical opportunity for him to pursue a more consistent role within the first team setup. 

This summer’s schedule offers a proving ground for the midfielder to further his game and demonstrate that he can cope with the physical and tactical demands of top-level football. 

A string of strong performances over the coming weeks may see McConnell promoted as a more reliable squad option for the upcoming campaign. 

JAYDEN DANNSCatherine Ivill/Getty Images.

Jayden Danns enters the new season with a renewed sense of purpose after a challenging period disrupted by injury. 

A loan move to Sunderland was curtailed before even making an appearance and the young forward returns to Liverpool eager to re-establish himself. 

This pre-season program will be critical for Danns as he prepares to prove not only his fitness, but also adaptability and worth ethic within Liverpool’s high-intensity system. 

The opportunity has been presented to the young forward with uncertainty around Liverpool’s forward line and the local boy could earn more regular minutes. 

FEDERICO CHIESAGetty Images.

Federico Chiesa will begin pre-season determined to overcome a difficult debut season at Liverpool. 

Persistent injuries and a lack of a full preparatory period las year limited his ability to stake a claim within Arne Slot’s squad. 

The Italian winger now faces the defining moment of regaining some form and fitness during this period. 

Delivering impressive performances throughout pre-season will be crucial for building the confidence required for a regular impact. 

Chiesa now has a key opportunity to prove to Arne Slot and his coaching staff that he can be a dependable figure for the campaign ahead. 

RIO NGUMOHADavid Rawcliffe/Propaganda.

Rio Ngumoha enters Liverpool’s pre-season schedule as one of the most intriguing prospects. 

At just seventeen, the former Chelsea winger has progressed rapidly through the ranks, showing maturity well beyond his years. 

His ability to glide past defenders, manipulate tight spaces and link creatively with teammates marked him as a standout in Premier League 2 matches, last term. 

Having already trained and featured with the senior squad during parts of last season, Ngumoha now steps into pre-season with confidence to show what he can do under increased scrutiny. 

For the winger, this could be the moment that sparks his senior emergence. 

Liverpool’s pre-season schedule isn’t about dusting off the cobwebs, its a recalibration. 

Arne Slot’s tactical evolution will be central to how the team looks by mid-August, but so too will individual breakthroughs. 

While the bigger picture is bound to unfold, this could well decide who rises with it and who gets left behind.

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