⚽ Liverpool vs AC Milan in Hong Kong: Pre‑Season Showdown
Liverpool return to action on Saturday 26 July 2025, hosting AC Milan at the newly completed Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong. This friendly marks the Reds’ debut at the venue as part of the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025, sponsored by Standard Chartered, where they open their Asian tour before traveling to Japan.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm local time (12:30 pm UK). Fans in the UK and Italy can watch via LFCTV (All Red Video) and DAZN respectively.
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🔔 Two Debuts: Ekitike & Ngumoha
Hugo Ekitike
Fresh off a completed £79 million transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt, 23-year-old Hugo Ekitike has joined Liverpool on a six-year deal. With 22 goals and 12 assists in his last season, he represents a major coup in Liverpool’s summer rebuild.
Although medical staff stayed behind, Ekitike is now training with the squad in Hong Kong and is expected to make his first appearance, whether as a starter or a substitute cameo.
Rio Ngumoha
Academy graduate Rio Ngumoha, who joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2024, has already broken age-related records at 16 years old. He made history as the youngest Liverpool starter ever in an FA Cup tie earlier this year. Now, he is stepping up to the first team again and is expected to earn his pre-season debut as a key youth prospect.
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🧠 Confirmed Liverpool XI vs AC Milan
Per the most reliable reports, Liverpool’s confirmed starting XI likely includes:
GK: Giorgi Mamardashvili (with Alisson expected in second half)
Defense: Van Dijk, Konaté, Robertson or Frimpong, Tsimikas – a backline blending youth and experience.
Midfield: Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Mac Allister/Elliott, possibly joined by new signing Wirtz.
Attack: Salah, Salah’s strike partner slot likely given to Wirtz or emerging talents like Doak or Morton; Ngumoha may appear as an energetic forward option.
Optional inclusion: Ekitike’s debut—possibly introduced off bench if not in initial XI.
Confirmed substitutes are expected to include established names like Gakpo, Jones, Endo, Kerkez, Frimpong, and young reserve goalkeeper Freddie Woodman.
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🔄 Squad Overview & Manager Comments
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has overseen a summer spending spree nearing £300 million, with marquee arrivals including Wirtz, Frimpong, Kerkez, Mamardashvili, Pecsi, and now Ekitike. Longevity of the squad has prompted speculation about outgoings, including Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
Captain Virgil van Dijk has praised the squad’s new additions, noting how well they’ve settled: “Everyone has to work hard and we’re all in this together.”
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🔎 What to Watch: Match Impacts
1. Ekitike’s Impact – Can the French striker make an immediate impression on his debut, offering pace and physicality to the attack?
2. Ngumoha’s Rise – The 16‑year‑old’s inclusion reflects Liverpool’s faith in youth—can he shine under the spotlight?
3. New Signings’ Chemistry – How do Wirtz, Kerkez, Frimpong, and others gel in a competitive setup?
4. Fitness Rotation – Who features in second half as Slot tests rotation before the season opener?
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📝 Summary Table
Item Detail
Match Liverpool vs AC Milan — Pre‑season friendly
Date & Venue 26 July 2025, Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
Debutants Hugo Ekitike (new signing), Rio Ngumoha (youth prospect)
Expected XI Mamardashvili; Van Dijk, Konaté; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz (or youth options)
Key Substitutes Alisson, Gakpo, Elliott, Kerkez, Woodman, etc.
Tour Context Liverpool’s Asian tour following friendlies vs Preston and Stoke City
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🔮 Looking Ahead
This match marks a pivotal milestone in Liverpool’s pre-season—revealing new talent and integrating high‑value recruits. Expect intensity, debut flair, and glimpses of Arne Slot’s evolving game plan. Should Ekitike and Ngumoha impress, the fans in Hong Kong will have plenty to cheer about.