After a week dominated by transfer speculation, you could have been forgiven for forgetting that Liverpool actually had a game to play on Saturday.

Alexander Isak might be the focus for a lot of supporters at the moment, but in Hong Kong, Arne Slot was afforded another viewing of his new-look squad in action, complete with seven new signings.

Having already comfortably seen off Preston and Stoke, AC Milan would provide a major step up for the Premier League champions as they stepped up preparations for their defense.



Of course, these games are not to be taken too seriously - they are, in essence, just a warm-up for the real tests that are to come soon.

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But Slot will have been given plenty of food for thought after his side’s outing at the Kai Tak Stadium, not least after the way in which his side gave up goals and chances.

With the ball, there was plenty to like about Liverpool, especially from the likes of Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz, and Rio Ngumoha.

HONG KONG, CHINA - JULY 26: Rafael Leao of AC Milan (C) and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (R) fight for the ball during the Liverpool FC v AC Milan Pre-Season Friendly match at Kai Tak Stadium on July 26, 2025 in Hong Kong, China.

Although Gravenberch performed admirably - probably better than Van Dijk in truth, with the Liverpool captain not at his best against Rafael Leao for the opener - that is certainly not a position fans will want to see him playing.

More to the point, it’s an option that won’t even be available to Slot when the season kicks off against Bournemouth next month.

Saturday’s game came as a stark reminder that, while the prospect of Isak moving to Anfield might be exciting, he won’t be able to save Liverpool if it is having to regularly force other players into defense.

As things stand, Van Dijk, Konate, and Gomez are the only recognized senior center-backs in the squad

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