4 Liverpool stars to watch out for in preseason in Arne Slot update

Liverpool are back in preseason training ahead of their push to defend the Premier League title in 2025/26.

Arne Slot led the club to a second top-flight title in five years as the Dutch coach sealed the trophy in his debut season at Anfield.

Slot’s next challenge will be looking to retain his title and launch a sustained push in the UEFA Champions League after bowing out in the Round of 16 last season.

Ahead of a busy preseason schedule, Slot and his squad are still readjusting to their return to action, following the tragic death of striker Diogo Jota at the start of July.

The Portugal international was killed alongside his brother Andre in a car accident in Spain as he was heading back to Liverpool for the start of preseason.

The incoming weeks will be utilised by Slot to assess some of his new faces, including Premier League transfer record signing Florian Wirtz, but he will also hand chances to some emerging stars on the fringes of his first team.

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Several key names are expected to miss the first preseason game – away at Preston North End on July 13 – as Slot seeks to give his players time to process the shock of Jota’s passing and avoid overloads.

The Sporting News takes a look at four key names who could be handed a summer chance to shine by Slot.

Rio Ngumoha

England U17 international Ngumoha only joined Liverpool last summer after eight years in the Chelsea youth set-up.

As a creative wide option, he netted three goals and laid on five assists for the U18/U21 sides in 2024/25, alongside regular spots in first team training and matchday squads.

Slot handed him a senior debut in January’s 4-0 home FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley, starting on the left of a three-man attack, and with Harvey Elliott granted an extra break after winning the UEFA European Championship with England – he could get a shot.

Amara Nallo

Centre-back Nallo has earned rave reviews in two seasons at U18/U21 level with his maturity in bringing ball out of defence catching Slot’s eye.

However, his senior debut was marked in the worst possible way last season, after being sent off just four minutes after coming on as a substitute in the 3-2 Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven.

With rumours over the future of Ibrahima Konate, and Jarell Quansah moving on to Bayer Leverkusen, Slot may be on the hunt for cover in the preseason calendar.

Trent Kone-Doherty

Republic of Ireland youth international Kone-Doherty cost Liverpool £150,000 in 2022 as they secured a deal with Derry City.

He hit the ground running with nine goals in his first ten games, before being elevated to the U21 from 23023/24 onwards, 

He was an unused substitute on the night of Nallo’s debut before making his own bow off the bench in the FA Cup loss at Plymouth Argyle in February. 

A dynamic and versatile attacker, who can play out wide or centrally, he will be looking to make step up, and become the new Trent in town.

Trey Nyoni

Nyoni is possibly the most recognisable name on this list after being promoted to the first team permanently by Jurgen Klopp in 2023.

Klopp gave him a debut, and Slot utilised him in five matches last season, rotating with cameos at left-back and in midfield.

Arguably the most highly-rated current prospect, alongside James McConnell, the coming weeks will decide if Slot retains or loans him out.

Liverpool’s 2025/26 preseason schedule

With Liverpool not featuring in the FIFA Club World Cup, Slot’s squad have enjoyed a full summer break, with only selected players in international action at the start of June.

Their preseason schedule kicks off against EFL Championship side Preston North End on Sunday July 13, followed by two games in South East Asia, and the FA Community Shield on August 10.

* The friendly with Athletic Club includes two games played against the same opponent at Anfield on Aug 4.

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