Liverpool are in talks over a potential friendly to be held in China next summer, according to The Athletic journalist David Ornstein.
The Reds generally used to alternate preseason tours between Asia and the United States, but have not been to the Far East since 2017, when their trip was blighted by monsoons and waterlogged pitches.
But it is understood that they could be set for a return in the build up for next season.
Writing in a piece for The Athletic, Ornstein said: “Liverpool are in talks over holding a lucrative pre-season friendly in China in July.
“Plans are yet to be finalised with negotiations ongoing but a one-off game in China is viewed as more likely than a week-long tour.
“Klopp is keen to ensure that his squad are based in Europe for most of the pre-season programme and owners Fenway Sports Group will give him what he wants.”
OPINION
This seems like a win-win for Liverpool. Come the end of this season, the Reds could be Premier League champions and have a new kit manufacturer, so from a marketing point of view it makes absolute sense for the Reds to spread their brand as effectively as possible into Asia. Of course, their following in the Far East is already sizeable, but nothing can generate buzz like a side actually visiting somewhere to play a match. That being said, given how tricky certain aspects of their last trip to the continent was, it makes sense to opt for a one-off game as opposed to a full week out there. That way, they get the best of both worlds. The fans get to see their heroes, the Reds get to spread their brand, but the squad also get the best possible opportunity to prepare for a new league season in which they could well have to defend a title for the first time in three decades.
