Arne Slot's Liverpool Pre-Season Tour: Transfers and Training Insights

Liverpool Football Club's pre-season tour in the Far East has taken an unexpected turn, as head coach Arne Slot announced the cancellation of an anticipated arrangement following the absence of striker Alexander Isak. The incident occurred during a training session at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on July 24, 2025, where Slot's comments about new striker Hugo Ekitike sparked both laughter and speculation about the club's transfer strategies.

Ekitike, who recently made a £79 million move from Eintracht Frankfurt, joined Liverpool's training session before a crowd of approximately 25,000 supporters, creating significant excitement among fans. Slot, in a light-hearted moment, joked about the goal-scoring capabilities of his French players, particularly referencing Ibrahima Konate's defensive role versus Ekitike’s attacking contributions. "So we’re hoping he (Ekitike) is the first Frenchman who can score goals for us!" Slot remarked, prompting laughter from the team, as reported by Paul Gorst, a Liverpool FC correspondent for the Liverpool Echo on July 26, 2025.

However, the atmosphere shifted with the news of Isak's non-participation in the tour due to a thigh injury, coupled with reports suggesting his desire to leave Newcastle United. Isak, previously linked to Liverpool before his transfer to Newcastle for £63 million, has reportedly expressed a willingness to explore new opportunities, potentially reigniting Liverpool's interest. According to a statement from Newcastle United’s head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, "We have no plans to sell Alexander, but we are aware of his aspirations for a new challenge."

The ongoing discussions regarding Isak's future signal a critical juncture for Liverpool, especially as the club has made it clear that they are prepared to break the British transfer record to secure the striker. Club insiders indicate that Liverpool’s summer spending, currently nearing £300 million, could exceed £400 million should they pursue Isak aggressively.

The potential for Isak’s transfer has raised eyebrows, particularly given Liverpool's historical cautious approach to player acquisition. As Liverpool’s decision-makers weigh their options, the ramifications of such a high-profile transfer could redefine the club’s strategy and financial commitments in the current transfer window.

Despite the transfer speculation, Slot emphasized the importance of the training session, which lasted around 90 minutes, offering the squad valuable preparation ahead of their upcoming match against AC Milan. Notably, Liverpool’s management has opted to abandon the controversial 'tour time' policy previously implemented under Jurgen Klopp, which aimed to mitigate jet lag by adjusting players’ meal schedules. This decision appears to have been well-received by the squad, as they adapt to the local time zone and the sweltering climate.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, noted the positive impact of the extended pre-season break, stating, "To have this big pre-season now means we can work on so many aspects of our play which we can improve. Defending, attacking, set-pieces, build-up."

As Liverpool prepares to face AC Milan and subsequently travel to Tokyo, the dynamics surrounding Isak's potential move, combined with Ekitike’s promising start, will be pivotal in shaping the club’s immediate future. The football community is keenly observing how Liverpool's management navigates these developments during this critical transfer period.