Liverpool manager Arne Slot has openly addressed the absence of Luis Díaz from the recent friendly defeat against AC Milan, attributing it to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the player’s future. Díaz, whose contract situation is becoming urgent with just two years remaining, remains a key figure Liverpool wish to secure for the long term.

Díaz did not feature in the squad for the friendly held in Hong Kong, alongside Darwin Núñez, who is also expected by many to leave the club this summer especially after the arrival of Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt. Despite this, Liverpool stakeholders remain hopeful that Díaz will remain with the club.

When questioned about Díaz’s exclusion, Slot was candid: “due to speculation on his future.”

Díaz himself has been transparent about his position, acknowledging ongoing negotiations and the possibility of a transfer. He stated, “We are in the midst of negotiations, talking with Liverpool and everyone who is approaching us. I am very calm where I am and very happy. [But I will] make the best decision for me.” This openness underscores an important moment in Liverpool’s squad management as they navigate contract renewals and potential transfers ahead of the new season.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke has expressed skepticism over Manchester United’s chances of securing a top-four finish in the Premier League for the 2025–26 season. Speaking on DA4P’s YouTube channel, Solanke provided his predictions for the teams likely to qualify for the Champions League spots.

Solanke confidently included Tottenham first in his top-four forecast, followed by Liverpool and Manchester City. When questioned about Manchester United’s potential to challenge for a Champions League position next term, Solanke simply replied, “nah,” instead opting to include Arsenal as a contender.

This blunt verdict reflects the ongoing struggles faced by the Red Devils, who endured a difficult previous season. While Solanke’s confidence in Tottenham’s qualification might raise some eyebrows—given their 17th-place finish last season—his assessment of Manchester United aligns with widespread doubts about their immediate recovery under Ruben Amorim’s management.

Solanke’s straightforward response underlines the challenges ahead for Manchester United, suggesting the club faces another challenging campaign outside Europe’s elite competition.

Liverpool’s third pre-season match of the summer, held in Hong Kong, offered a first proper opportunity to see Florian Wirtz in action after being included in the starting lineup. In an unconventional approach, manager Arne Slot deployed the 22-year-old attacking midfielder in a false nine role at Kai Tak Sports Park, a position Wirtz is not primarily known for but has adapted to previously.

Throughout the match, Wirtz showcased his versatility by frequently dropping deep to retrieve the ball, operating between the lines, and advancing aggressively toward the penalty area. His presence sparked anticipation each time he received possession, demonstrating excellent touches and vision in the final third.

An early highlight was Wirtz’s setup for Mohamed Salah shortly after Milan’s opener, though the potential assist was thwarted when Salah attempted a selfless pass back to Wirtz. Later, Wirtz nearly released Harvey Elliott with a precise through ball, only for Elliott to be unable to reach it. This moment underscored Wirtz’s key attributes: his ability to evade defenders and quickly accelerate into attacking spaces.

Wirtz was substituted at half-time but left a positive impression, completing 91% of his 32 passes and registering 36 touches. His sharp link-up play excited supporters and suggested promising integration into Liverpool’s squad. Fans can anticipate seeing more of Wirtz soon as Liverpool prepare for their next friendly against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan on July 30.