Liverpool considers controversial friendlies in Japan and Hong Kong for pre-season tour
- Liverpool is considering Japan and Hong Kong for pre-season friendlies as part of their 2025-26 season preparations.
- The club has not played in Japan since 2005 and last played in Hong Kong in 2017.
- These matches could strengthen Liverpool's relationship with their large fanbase in Asia.
In preparation for the 2025-26 season, Liverpool Football Club is exploring potential locations for pre-season friendlies, with discussions centered around Japan and Hong Kong. These matches would mark Liverpool's return to Japan, having last played there in the 2005 World Club Championship final. The club has a significant fanbase in Asia, underscoring the commercial viability of such matches. Additionally, Liverpool has strengthened its ties to Japan through a multi-million pound partnership with Japan Airlines, their official airline partner, which includes branding rights at Anfield. Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, who is also the captain of Japan’s national team, enhances the club's connection to the country, further motivating the possibility of playing there. In Hong Kong, Liverpool's last visit occurred during the summer of 2017, where they faced teams Crystal Palace and Leicester City as part of the Premier League Asia Trophy. If they choose to return, their matches are likely to take place at the soon-to-be-completed Kai Tak Sports Park in Kowloon, which is set to open in 2025 with a capacity of 50,000. As Liverpool considers various locations for their pre-season tour, their absence from the Premier League Summer Series tournament in the United States highlights their growing focus on the Asian market. The club aims to refine their competitive edge leading up to the start of the new season, potentially nurturing their relationships with fans in Asia through these friendly matches.