Report: Liverpool fans react to new players’ shirt numbers in training | OneFootball

Early Shirt Numbers for New Liverpool Duo Spark Pre-Season Interest

Wirtz and Kerkez train with Liverpool squad in early sessions

Liverpool’s preparations for the upcoming campaign are well underway, with pre-season training offering an early glimpse at how new arrivals may fit into Arne Slot’s plans. Among those drawing the eye are two fresh faces who have joined the club’s ranks this summer.

In recent training sessions, images shared on official club platforms have shown two new players donning shirt numbers 59 and 57 respectively. While these numbers are far from confirmation of official squad assignments, they have still generated considerable discussion among supporters eager to interpret early clues about the team’s direction.

Why pre-season shirt numbers offer little certainty

During the pre-season period, it is not unusual for players — particularly new signings, youth prospects or those returning from loan — to be given high squad numbers. This is typically done for logistical reasons, such as internal tracking, or to avoid conflicts with existing registered numbers.

Therefore, fans reading too much into these early allocations should temper expectations. Liverpool’s backroom staff are still assessing the full squad, and final shirt numbers are rarely confirmed until closer to the Premier League’s registration deadline. The club has historically used this period to evaluate where each player fits into the tactical setup and depth chart.

Key signings under the spotlight

What is more significant than the shirt numbers themselves is the presence of these two players so early in the pre-season process. Their involvement signals a clear intent to integrate them into the squad from the outset — a factor that may offer insight into their potential roles once competitive fixtures begin.

Their appearances in training are a strong indication that Arne Slot is eager to embed them into his tactical framework, particularly as Liverpool look to evolve under new leadership. The focus on pressing systems and positional rotations means any player Slot plans to rely on will need time to adapt and gel with the rest of the squad.

Fan anticipation building steadily

Supporters have reacted with enthusiasm to the visuals shared on social media, with some speculating that these players could bring a different dynamic to Liverpool’s playstyle. The buzz around their early integration has only heightened curiosity over how the squad will be shaped ahead of the season opener.

Shirt numbers may change — and likely will — but the visible commitment to including these players in Slot’s first-team activities from the outset suggests they are more than peripheral additions. As is often the case at this time of year, what matters more than numbers is positioning — both literally and figuratively — within the training group.

Liverpool’s pre-season continues to offer small insights into how the Slot era may unfold. For now, fans will have to wait a little longer before official numbers are confirmed, but the early signs are promising.