Liverpool beats Wrexham in friendly match... awaits return of Firtz and Isaac

English club Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Welsh side Wrexham, who compete in the English second tier (Championship), in their second pre-season friendly under new Spanish manager Andoni Iraola yesterday at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Young striker Rio Ngumoha scored the match’s only goal from close range in the 75th minute, in front of 42,000 spectators who gathered at the famous baseball stadium, home of the New York Yankees and Major League Soccer’s New York City FC.

Liverpool had previously beaten fellow English club Sunderland 4-2 on Saturday in Nashville, handing new coach Iraola his first victory in charge, succeeding Dutchman Arne Slot.

The win over Sunderland was marred by an injury to defender Joe Gomez, who was among the absentees yesterday alongside new French signing Jeremy Jagiellka and World Cup players Dutchman Ryan Gravenberch, German Florian Wirtz, and Swede Alexander Isak.

Iraola said before the match that Gravenberch, Wirtz, and Isak could return to participate in Liverpool’s final match of their US tour against fellow English side Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has left his post after a five-year stint at St James’ Park, according to BBC and Sky Sports yesterday.

The 48-year-old manager took over the role in November 2021, succeeding Steve Bruce, and led the team to win the domestic League Cup in 2025, securing their first major trophy since 1969.

He also guided the former Bournemouth manager’s Newcastle to qualification for the Champions League in 2023 and 2025.

However, he faced pressure last season after the Magpies finished 12th in the English Premier League, having suffered 17 defeats in 38 matches.

On another note, Chelsea signed French international defender Maxence Lacroix from London rivals Crystal Palace yesterday in a deal valued at £52 million ($69 million).

Lacroix signed a six-year contract with the Blues and will join his new team to participate in preparations for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old, who has made seven appearances for the French national team and participated in the last World Cup, said: “I am very happy to join this wonderful club. Everyone knows Chelsea’s legacy and its history of winning titles. To be part of that is a moment of pride for me.”

He added: “When I spoke with the manager, I saw that we share the same direction and desire as the club. We want to win. When you see the quality of the players here and everything surrounding the club, winning is something we can achieve. The ambition is to win trophies, and I look forward to contributing to that.”

Lacroix made 98 appearances for Crystal Palace since joining them from German club Wolfsburg in 2024. During his time at Selhurst Park, he won the FA Cup, the UEFA Conference League, and the Community Shield.

Lacroix becomes Chelsea’s latest signing in the current transfer window under new Spanish manager Xabi Alonso, following the British record signing of Aston Villa striker Morgan Rogers for £117 million and the acquisition of Italian right-back Marco Bresciani from Atalanta for £47 million. Portuguese player Giovani Queiroz and Dutchman Emmanuel Immobile also joined Chelsea in moves primarily agreed upon in 2025.