Liverpool Shirt Numbers Explained for New Signings

Liverpool shirt numbers are always a hot topic among supporters, and Saturday’s 2-0 pre-season win over Preston North End only fuelled the debate. New boys Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili all appeared in shirts deep into the 50s, leaving many fans wondering whether the club shop had printed the wrong batch. The Reds have now clarified why those high digits were chosen, when definitive squad numbers will be revealed and how the change ties into a new era at Anfield.

Why temporary Liverpool shirt numbers were needed

Every summer brings a mini-drama over Liverpool shirt numbers, but 2024 is unusually complicated. Jürgen Klopp’s departure has ushered in a broader reset behind the scenes, and sporting director Richard Hughes wants to keep options open while incoming head coach Arne Slot assesses his squad. Assigning temporary numbers achieves two goals: it avoids the PR mess of changing a player’s jersey mid-campaign and allows new arrivals to focus on football rather than branding.

Historically, Liverpool confirm digits on July 1, the official start of the Premier League registration window. This year, however, an additional commercial layer came into play: the six-year, £50 million-a-season partnership with adidas does not begin until 1 August. By waiting, the club ensures that freshly printed replica shirts bear the adidas logo from day one, protecting both contractual obligations and supporter wallets.

How the adidas deal affects squad registration

The switch from Nike to adidas is more than a change of three stripes. Contractual clauses state that any official merchandise sold after the cut-off date must carry new branding, so the Reds effectively created a buffer month. Frimpong’s No. 58, Kerkez’s No. 56 and Mamardashvili’s No. 57 will never appear on an Anfield megastore hanger; they exist solely for pre-season friendlies. Once adidas stock lines the shelves on August 1, Liverpool will unveil the definitive list.

That timeline also grants the recruitment team flexibility in the transfer market. Michael Edwards, now CEO of Football Operations, is still hunting a right-sided centre-back, and a marquee name could yet land the iconic No. 5 last worn by Georginio Wijnaldum. Confirming the squad in July would shut that door.

The future of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez numbers

Fans desperate to know what will be stitched on Frimpong’s back can take a few educated guesses. The Dutch wing-back has worn No. 30 at PSG and No. 12 with Bayer Leverkusen, but both are currently free at Liverpool following Fabio Carvalho’s switch to Southampton and Joe Gomez’s potential move to Tottenham. Kerkez is expected to inherit Andy Robertson’s No. 26 only if the Scotland captain eventually decides to seek a new challenge in Germany; otherwise the Hungarian could pick 21, vacant since Kostas Tsimikas departed.

While Goalkeeper Mamardashvili would love the traditional No. 1, Alisson Becker is not going anywhere. The Georgian therefore has eyes on No. 13, historically used by back-ups such as Adrián and Loris Karius. The club, though, might steer him toward No. 22, echoing Simon Mignolet’s successful spell.

Historic precedents at Anfield

Temporary Liverpool shirt numbers are rare but not unprecedented. In 1998, Karl-Heinz Riedle wore No. 15 in pre-season before settling on No. 13. More recently, Luis Díaz started his first friendly in No. 23 before eventually claiming No. 7. The club learned valuable lessons: locking in numbers too early risks costly re-prints and an aggrieved fan base.

Commercial considerations behind shirt numbers

Liverpool are a global commercial giant, and shirt numbers are part of the brand. Mohamed Salah’s No. 11 and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s No. 66 generate millions annually. By delaying final allocations, the club guards against a scenario where a player switches numbers and forces supporters to buy twice. It also prevents unsold Nike-branded stock from flooding discount bins.

From a marketing perspective, launching the adidas home kit alongside fresh, permanent digits creates a “triple reveal” moment: new shirt, new number, new era under Arne Slot. That synergy boosts social engagement and drives first-day sales.

Liverpool shirt numbers and fan engagement

Modern supporters crave transparency, and Liverpool have embraced open communication. The club released a statement on Monday outlining the timeline, stressing that nobody should rush to print a name until August 1. They also confirmed that Diogo Jota’s No. 20 shirt has been retired across all age groups in recognition of the Portuguese forward’s life-changing contribution to last season’s quadruple chase. Academy prospect Harvey Davies, who had worn 20 at Under-21 level, will shift to 34.

Social media teams are using the temporary digits to encourage interactive content. Fans can vote on which number suits Frimpong or submit design concepts for Kerkez. This mirrors campaigns run by adidas for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, underlining how shirt numbers now intersect with digital fan culture.

The Premier League registration deadline

Logistically, Liverpool must submit a 25-man list with definitive numbers to the Premier League by 12 p.m. BST on Friday, 16 August, 24 hours before their opening fixture at Brentford. Club insiders insist that announcement day will be 9 August, giving a week’s buffer for any last-minute tweaks. Supporters who order within that window will benefit from free printing, a goodwill gesture offered in lieu of the month-long wait.

The role of Arne Slot in final choices

New head coach Slot may not be sentimental, but he understands the power of symbolism. At Feyenoord he convinced Santiago Giménez to swap 29 for 9, sparking a surge in Mexican shirt sales. Sources suggest Slot will hold one-to-one chats with every player once the squad returns from the USA tour, gauging personal preference, superstition and marketability before rubber-stamping numbers with Hughes.

Opinion: A smart move that respects tradition

Critics argue that temporary Liverpool shirt numbers look unprofessional, but the strategy feels pragmatic. In an age where kit deals are worth more than Champions League prize money, aligning commercial deadlines with sporting realities makes sense. By waiting until the adidas contract activates, Liverpool protect fans from double spending, keep transfer doors open and create a buzz for a coordinated reveal. Tradition still matters at Anfield, yet adapting to modern football economics is essential. In short, those strange 50-series shirts are a small price to pay for a smoother, smarter future.