Liverpool Scores 5-0 Friendly Win With Nunez Hat-Trick, Ekitike Deal Nears

Liverpool have begun preparations for their Premier League title defense with a series of pre-season matches, highlighted by a 5-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win over Stoke City. Darwin Nunez scored a first-half hat-trick, showcasing his potential to secure a place in manager Arne Slot's plans despite ongoing speculation about his future amid interest from European and Saudi clubs. Alongside Nunez, 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha and new signing Florian Wirtz, who made his first unofficial appearance for Liverpool, also contributed to the dominant win. Liverpool's summer spending has been significant, with around £170 million invested in new players including goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, and a major new deal agreed for French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. Ekitike's arrival, for a fee close to the club's record, signals a potential shift in the striker hierarchy, as Nunez has struggled to consistently meet expectations since his £85 million transfer in 2022. The Reds will continue their pre-season tour in Asia with upcoming matches against AC Milan in Hong Kong and Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan before finalizing preparations for the Community Shield and Premier League opener.