Liverpool Football Club has announced plans to create lasting tributes in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Following a heartfelt outpouring of tributes from supporters who left posters, banners, scarves, and flowers outside Anfield, the club is transforming these temporary memorials into permanent commemorations.

In a club statement, Liverpool detailed the process: “The thousands of physical tributes outside Anfield have been gradually removed over the course of the last week and carefully separated and safely stored.” The club expressed deep thanks to all who took part in paying respects.

The floral tributes will be composted and used to enhance flower beds throughout club sites including Anfield and the AXA Training Centre locations. Other items will be recycled by a specialist company and incorporated into a permanent memorial sculpture, destined to serve as a focal point for remembrance at Anfield.

Liverpool had previously retired the No. 20 shirt, worn by Diogo Jota, across the men’s, women’s, and academy teams. Fans can continue to honour Jota by having “Diogo J. 20” printed on their 2025–26 kits, with all proceeds benefiting the club’s charitable foundation.

Additionally, a “Forever 20” emblem will be featured on every Liverpool jersey during the upcoming season as a tribute to Jota’s legacy. This acknowledgment underlines the club’s commitment to preserving the memory of both Jota and André Silva in a respectful and meaningful way.

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.

Liverpool experienced their first pre-season setback of the summer with a 4-2 defeat against AC Milan in Hong Kong. The Reds initially dominated possession and showcased promising attacking play. A standout moment came from 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who set up Dominik Szoboszlai for a remarkable finish, equalizing the match with a strike into the top corner.

Throughout the first half, Christian Pulisic came close to putting Milan ahead twice, while Liverpool’s Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah threatened to regain the lead. The half ended in a 1-1 stalemate.

Liverpool made significant changes at halftime, but Milan’s counter-attacking prowess soon told. Ruben Loftus-Cheek calmly converted Leão’s pass to regain Milan’s lead. Later, a rapid break saw Noah Okafor score a precise shot, pushing Milan’s advantage to 3-1.

As Liverpool sought a comeback, Ryan Gravenberch narrowly missed with a shot that hit the crossbar, and Jeremie Frimpong almost found the net with his inaugural goal for the Reds. A late header from Cody Gakpo reduced the deficit, but a costly error between Kostas Tsimikas and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili allowed Okafor to seal Milan’s fourth.

The player ratings reflect a mix of performances from Liverpool, with Szoboszlai receiving notable praise for his goal, while newcomers like Ngumoha and Gakpo impressed. For Milan, Leão and Okafor stood out with exceptional contributions.

Despite the loss, the friendly offered Liverpool valuable insights ahead of the Premier League season.