Stoke City have been toppled 5-0 by Premier League champions Liverpool in a pre-season friendly.
The behind-closed-doors match took place today (Sunday) at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre and featured some big names for the hosts. It ended in defeat for Mark Robins’ side as they continued their preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Darwin Nunez bagged a first-half hat-trick for the top-flight team. Rio Ngumoha also found the back of the net before the break and Federico Chiesa rounded off the scoring in the second half.
Stoke had their work cut out against a strong Liverpool starting XI. Captain Virgil van Dijk and last term’s Golden Boot winner Mo Salah were both included in the line-up for Arne Slot’s team.
There was also a debut for Liverpool’s £116 million new signing Florian Wirtz. The attacking midfielder made his first appearance since his club record transfer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
For Stoke, there was no Wouter Burger amid news the midfielder is nearing a switch to Hoffenheim. The fee will be undisclosed and a deal is likely to go through this week.
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Stoke’s starting XI was made up of Viktor Johansson, Junior Tchamadeu, Bosun Lawal, Ben Wilmot, Eric Bocat, Sol Sidibe, Ben Pearson, Lewis Baker, Million Manhoef, Divin Mubama and Sorba Thomas. Listed as making up the bench were Jack Bonham, Frank Fielding, Syd Agina, Jaden Dixon, Jake Griffin, Laurence Giani, Tatsuki Seko, Will Smith, Emre Tezgel, Josh Maskall, Nathan Lowe and Favour Fawunmi.
The 2025/26 season will begin for Stoke in less than three weeks’ time. They are at home to Derby County on the opening day, with the match taking place on August 9.
Stoke are understood to have turned down a £5 million bid from FC Midtjylland for Burger on deadline day in January. It was on the understanding the 24-year-old could then make a move this summer.
He went on to play a key role to help Stoke secure Championship status in the second half of the season and it is clear that bosses have been pleased with his attitude and performances over those months. He has been aware of interest bubbling away and will now get a chance to play in the German top flight.
Stoke remain very active behind the scenes in terms of potential incomings but their position in regard to the rolling financial fair play cycle has meant that it was likely they would listen to offers for a first team asset. This imminent exit will mean they are not forced to sell anyone else.
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