Liverpool have given the green light for Sunday’s opening pre-season friendly at Preston to go ahead as planned, on a Wednesday which saw more fixture news.
A big update on fixtures
Following the sad passing of Diogo Jota there was uncertainty over whether the trip to Preston on Sunday would take place.
But it has now been widely reported that, following consultation with players and staff and talks between both clubs, the 3pm kickoff will go ahead.
Preston are understood to have plans in place for tributes to Jota on what will be Liverpool’s first outing since he passed away last week.
Elsewhere on Wednesday it was announced that the Premier League clashes with Newcastle and Arsenal had been moved for TV coverage.
• Full details of Liverpool’s latest fixture changes can be found here
Today’s Liverpool FC News
• Luis Diaz is subject of ongoing interest from Bayern Munich – but there are doubts they can pay enough to convince Liverpool to sell
• Liverpool are one of at least 10 Premier League clubs interested in Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni – who could be the next Dean Huijsen
• Work on Diogo Jota‘s mural is underway outside Anfield – with Liverpool fans invited to add their own messages
Watch all 65 of Jota’s goals
Jota scored 65 goals in his 182 games for Liverpool, with the club releasing a compilation of every strike from the Portuguese – from Arsenal to Everton.
In many ways, his first goal set the tone: a scruffy effort which left Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno stranded as it trickled into the far bottom corner.
Arguably Jota’s best goal was his turn and blasted finish against Everton to cap a 4-1 victory at Goodison Park in December 2021.
But his most impactful was almost certainly the winner as Liverpool came back to beat Tottenham 4-3 in April 2023 – coming seconds after Richarlison scored to make it 3-3 and making his gamer celebration iconic.
Elsewhere in the football world today
• Chelsea striker Pedro Neto has vowed to win the Club World Cup in tribute to his close friend Jota – saying “this final is for him and his brother” (BBC Sport)
• Jordan Henderson will leave Ajax as a free agent this summer after terminating his contract despite an option for a further 12 months – surely a move to Sunderland next?! (Times)
• Arsenal have opened talks to sign Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, in what would be the eighth first-team player to move to the Emirates from Stamford Bridge in 10 years (The Athletic)
Liverpool FC: On this day
On this day in 2003, Liverpool completed the £5 million signing of Harry Kewell from Leeds – arriving to huge excitement and inheriting the famous No. 7 shirt.
Unfortunately, Kewell’s time at Anfield proved disappointing on an individual level, making 139 appearances over five seasons but succumbing to persistent injury problems.
The Australian was forced off in both the 2005 Champions League and 2006 FA Cup finals, joining Galatasaray on the expiry of his contract in 2008.
