James Pearce: Liverpool planning Asia tour ahead of 2025-26 season | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pre-Season Tour: A Journey Through Asia’s Football Passion

Liverpool are reportedly considering Japan and Hong Kong as potential destinations for their pre-season tour in the summer of 2025. This news, originally reported by James Pearce in The Athletic, comes as the Premier League leaders deliberate over how to best prepare for the 2025-26 campaign. While still in the planning stages, the prospect of visiting Asia once again highlights Liverpool’s intent to strengthen both their on-pitch preparations and their global commercial footprint.

Revisiting Japan After 20 Years

For Liverpool fans, the mention of Japan evokes memories of the 2005 World Club Championship final in Yokohama, where Rafael Benitez’s side narrowly lost 1-0 to Sao Paolo. It’s been two decades since that visit, but Japan remains a country with a fervent footballing culture. Recent developments, including Liverpool’s multi-million-pound sponsorship deal with Japan Airlines, make the country a logical choice. The partnership, which includes naming rights to an executive lounge at Anfield and support for LFC Foundation projects, reflects Liverpool’s deeper connection with Japan.

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The inclusion of Wataru Endo, captain of Japan’s national team, further strengthens the club’s ties to the region. Endo’s presence at Liverpool has sparked increased attention from Japanese fans, making a return to the country a commercially and emotionally resonant move.

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Hong Kong’s New Footballing Jewel

Hong Kong, another likely destination, offers its own allure. The city’s upcoming Kai Tak Sports Park, a state-of-the-art 50,000-seater stadium set to open in 2025, is poised to become a premier venue for international football. Liverpool last played in Hong Kong in 2017 during the Premier League Asia Trophy, defeating Crystal Palace and Leicester City. Returning to the region would be a symbolic nod to the club’s loyal fanbase in Asia.

Hong Kong’s football supporters are known for their passionate engagement with the game, and a fixture in Kowloon could provide an electric atmosphere. It would also serve as an opportunity for Liverpool to strengthen their visibility in a market where they already enjoy substantial support.

Building on a History of Global Outreach

Liverpool’s global tours have long been a crucial part of the club’s pre-season routine. From Thailand and Singapore to the United States, these tours have offered a mix of rigorous match preparation and fan engagement. Most recently, Liverpool returned to Singapore for friendly games in 2023, further cementing their popularity in Southeast Asia.

While the Premier League reportedly hoped Liverpool would participate in the Summer Series tournament in the US next summer, that now appears unlikely. Instead, the Reds seem focused on reconnecting with their Asian fanbase, a strategy that aligns with their commercial and footballing objectives.

Why Asia Makes Sense for 2025

The timing and location of pre-season tours are pivotal decisions for clubs like Liverpool, where balancing on-pitch readiness with off-pitch obligations is critical. Asia offers lucrative commercial opportunities and a chance to engage directly with millions of fans. Liverpool’s global brand has always thrived on these moments of connection, and a tour in Japan and Hong Kong would undoubtedly enhance their global footprint.

Moreover, these destinations offer challenging climates and high-quality facilities, both of which are essential for rigorous pre-season preparation. The potential to play in venues like Yokohama and Kai Tak Sports Park ensures that the team will face competitive opposition in world-class environments, setting the tone for a successful campaign.

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For many supporters, these tours are more than just a series of warm-up matches; they’re a celebration of the club’s universal appeal. Watching Liverpool connect with fans in far-flung corners of the globe evokes immense pride and underscores the club’s unique standing in world football.

However, the focus must remain on footballing preparations. Arne Slot’s Liverpool has dazzled this season with its fluid style of play, but the upcoming campaign will demand even greater consistency. Touring Asia, with its challenging conditions and fervent fan support, could provide the perfect proving ground for players old and new.

There’s also a sense of satisfaction in seeing the club embrace its Asian fanbase so wholeheartedly. The inclusion of Wataru Endo in the squad is a clear indication of Liverpool’s commitment to representation and global outreach. For Japanese fans, Endo’s presence will undoubtedly add a personal connection to the team’s visit.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s choice of Japan and Hong Kong reflects a club that is both deeply rooted in its traditions and forward-thinking in its ambitions. For fans, this tour is more than just preparation—it’s a statement of intent, a reminder of the global phenomenon that is Liverpool Football Club.