Florian Wirtz scores first Liverpool goal as Reds beat Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1
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Liverpool's Florian Wirtz celebrates scoring their first goal with Curtis Jones.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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YOKOHAMA – Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the transfer business being conducted across the English Premier League means the champions are expecting a tougher season ahead.
He made the comments on July 30, after his side came from behind to beat Yokohama F. Marinos 3-1 in front of 67,032 spectators at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, where big-money signing Florian Wirtz scored his first goal for the Reds and fellow marquee arrival Hugo Ekitike made his debut.
But it is not just the Reds who have splurged, with their main title rivals Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea also spending big.
City, looking to bounce back from an uncharacteristic trophy-less season, have added the likes of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and James Trafford.
Premier League runners-up for the past three seasons, Arsenal have not only finally signed a natural No. 9 in Viktor Gyokeres, but they have also added first-team ready players like Martin Zubimendi, while adding to their squad depth.
Chelsea, meanwhile, offered a glimpse of their potential by winning the Club World Cup in July, with new forward Joao Pedro playing a starring role. They have also added exciting young talent in Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian, and are reportedly still chasing Dutch pair Xavi Simons and Jorrel Hato.
Said Slot: “Last season was already tough but if you look at what all the Premier League teams are doing, the Premier League is even going to get stronger than last season. We need to be ready for that – that’s where my full focus is on...
“We are making steps forward but I also didn’t forget that last season I went to Wembley, having to look at Newcastle (United) lifting a trophy, and in two weeks we go there again.
“So, I hope we show a different face in that final, Community Shield (against Crystal Palace), than we did in the League Cup final.”
The win in Japan concluded Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia, with two more home friendlies against Athletic Bilbao on Aug 4. After that, Slot’s men will take on Palace in the Community Shield on Aug 10, before kicking off their Premier League season at home against Bournemouth on Aug 15.
Ekitike – who recently arrived from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth up to £79 million (S$135.8 million) – was withdrawn at the break and Liverpool went behind to an Asahi Uenaka goal in the 55th minute.
But they trailed for only seven minutes as Wirtz scored from a counter-attack, before another fellow new signing, Jeremie Frimpong, set up Trey Nyoni for the second goal.
Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha then made sure of the 3-1 win with his second goal of pre-season.
“I’m really happy that I could score my first goal. I hope there are more to come,” said Wirtz.
“I’m happy we won the game, it was an incredible atmosphere here in the stadium. So, thank you.”
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich completed the signing of forward Luis Diaz from Liverpool
The Colombian winger, who won the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups during his time at Anfield, inked a deal with the Bundesliga champions until 2029.
Diaz, 28, said he was “very happy” with the move to the German club.
“It means a lot to me to be part of FC Bayern,” he said. “They’re one of the biggest clubs in the world. I want to help my new team with my way of playing football and my character. My goal is to win every possible title, and that’s what we’ll work for every day as a team.”
On social media, Diaz added that he would “treasure forever” his time at Liverpool and was “leaving proud of everything we achieved together”.
In other moves, Premier League newcomers Sunderland announced the signing of midfielder Granit Xhaka, who previously captained Arsenal, from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £17 million.
The 32-year-old Swiss international has signed a three-year contract at the Stadium of Light.
Xhaka left the Gunners in 2023 and won the Bundesliga and German Cup with Leverkusen during his spell at the club. AFP, REUTERS
