Wirtz made his second consecutive start for Liverpool after the 4-2 friendly loss to AC Milan at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park on July 26.
This time, the German midfielder made a more significant impact, scoring the equalizer in the 63rd minute. Receiving a pass from Mohamed Salah, Wirtz drove forward and fired a shot into the corner of the net, past the Yokohama goalkeeper.
Florian Wirtz received applause from the crowd during Liverpool's 3-1 win against Yokohama F. Marinos at the Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa, Japan on 30/7. Image: Liverpool FC
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Coach Arne Slot (white shirt) observes the match. Image: Liverpool FC |
His goal sparked Liverpool's comeback. In the 68th minute, another new signing, Jeremie Frimpong, assisted 18-year-old Trey Nyoni for Liverpool's second goal. Rio Ngumoha, the 16-year-old who scored in the 5-0 friendly win against Stoke City on July 20, sealed the 3-1 victory.
Wirtz was named man of the match and received a check for 1 million Yen (approximately 175 million Vietnamese dong). "I'm very happy to score my first goal for the team," the 22-year-old said after the match. "The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing."
Wirtz's $170 million transfer to Liverpool represents the most expensive sale in Bundesliga history, as well as Liverpool's and the Premier League's record signing. In addition to the German midfielder, Liverpool has also acquired Hugo Ekitike ($106 million from Eintracht Frankfurt), left-back Milos Kerkez ($54 million from Bournemouth), and right-back Jeremie Frimpong ($40 million from Leverkusen).
Liverpool isn't the only Premier League club investing heavily this summer. Man City has brought in 4 new players: Tijjani Reijnders, Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and goalkeeper James Trafford. Arsenal, who finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, has recruited 6 players, including star striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Chelsea has strengthened their squad with Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao Willian, fresh off their FIFA Club World Cup victory in the USA. The Blues are also pursuing Dutch duo Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig) and Jorrel Hato (Ajax).
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Coach Arne Slot (white shirt) observes the match. Image: Liverpool FC
Coach Arne Slot believes the 2025-2026 Premier League season will be more challenging with teams spending heavily to bolster their squads. "We are making progress, but I haven't forgotten watching Newcastle lift the Cup at Wembley last season," the Dutch coach said, referring to his team's defeat in the League Cup final. "In two weeks, we'll be back there for the FA Community Shield, and hopefully, we'll show a different side of ourselves."
Liverpool will play a friendly against Bilbao at Anfield on 4/8 before competing for the FA Community Shield against FA Cup holders Crystal Palace at Wembley on 10/8. Slot's team will begin their Premier League campaign by hosting Bournemouth on 15/8.
Compiled by Hong Duy
