Liverpool FC will probably make some new signings in the summer. But who could go to support the reconstruction?
Liverpool FC will probably make some new signings in the summer. But who could go to support the reconstruction?
Change could be in the air at Anfield this summer – and rightly so. It’s undoubtedly the end of an era at Liverpool as the difficulties on the pitch this season are complemented by the uncertainty off the pitch.
The club is up for sale, the sporting director is leaving, a new stand is being opened and a new team needs to be built as contracts expire, key players are aging and coach Jürgen Klopp’s midfield in particular is in urgent need of reinforcement.
Klopp has already hinted that there will be an upheaval. Jude Bellingham is the Reds’ number one transfer target, but Matheus Nunes and Teun Koopmeiners are also in talks. Regardless of Liverpool qualifying for the Champions League next season, a summer of heavy spending is expected.
The departures are also likely to be high, as several players will leave the club.
SPOX takes a look at the players who could leave Anfield.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain’s six-year stay on Merseyside will end this summer. His contract expires.
The former England international has failed to secure a regular place in the starting XI in recent years. However, he was a useful option for Klopp and could play on the wing or in midfield.
But at 29 – he turns 30 in August – Oxlade-Chamberlain’s time at Liverpool is up. He will not be offered a new contract and has already been linked with a move to various Premier League clubs including West Ham United and Southampton.
likelihood of a change? 100 percent
Naby Keita
Keita, whose contract is also up at the end of this season, has been back in the spotlight lately. He has been a starting XI in each of the Reds’ last three games and helped improve a previously battered midfield.
However, the Guinea international’s injury history means any optimism about his form must be dampened. The fact that there was no breakthrough in talks on a new contract also does not bode well. Several German clubs have expressed interest in the 27-year-old.
likelihood of a change? 80 percent
Roberto Firmino
If Klopp has his way, Firmino will stay. The Brazilian can join on a free transfer in June but his manager wants him to extend his contract for at least another year. He believes he can still play an important role.
So far, however, there is no solution. Firmino is said to be open to staying on Merseyside. However, he is expected to receive lucrative offers from other clubs and the arrival of Cody Gakpo in January does not bode well for his future prospects.
likelihood of a change? 50 percent
James Milner
The last of the Liverpool foursome, whose contract expires, was expected to leave the club last summer. But Milner signed a one-year contract extension in June.
A repeat isn’t out of the question – Klopp hinted as much recently – but at 37, the vice-captain is certainly not the youngest anymore. With the Reds looking to sign at least two experienced midfielders, likely more, the time may be right for Milner to move on.
If he does that, he has played his part in a wonderful era on Merseyside.
likelihood of a change? 70 percent
Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool have always done well when it comes to selling backup players in recent years. Neco Williams, Rhian Brewster, Dominic Solanke and Harry Wilson, among others, brought in decent transfer fees that could be reinvested.
At the moment the Reds have less obvious options in that regard, but backup goalkeeper Kelleher could be one of them. The 24-year-old has never failed the Reds when he was needed. Now he is ready to play regularly in the first team. He would improve many Premier League clubs.
A change in the summer could be in the interest of everyone involved.
likelihood of a change? 70 percent
Fabinho
Of all the problems Liverpool have this season, Fabinho’s are perhaps the most puzzling.
The Brazilian was one of the best defensive midfielders in world football at his peak, but his form has slumped so much since the summer that even 18-year-old Stefan Bajcetic has been favored over him lately.
Klopp is likely to remain loyal to the 29-year-old, who can also play as a centre-back if needed. But he will want to see an improvement soon. A big offer from the outside could put him before a decision.
likelihood of a change? 30 percent
Nathaniel Phillips
Once again, Nat Phillips looked set to leave Liverpool before the transfer window closed. And again, no move was made, in part due to Ibrahima Konaté’s injury.
The centre-back has been linked with a move in recent years but has always stayed at Liverpool for one reason or another. Phillips never lets Klopp down and is a popular and well-respected member of the Reds squad. He really needs to start playing regularly now though.
Nobody in Liverpool would begrudge him that.
likelihood of a change? 90 percent
Joel Matip
He was Klopp’s first signing as Liverpool manager. Is this the end of the common path for the former Cameroon international?
There are increasing rumors within the club that Matip could move on in the summer. Virgil van Dijk and Konaté appear to be the Reds’ preferred centre-backs, while Joe Gomez signed on a long-term contract last summer and is an option.
Matip will start his last year of contract in the summer. If a suitable offer were to come in for the 31-year-old, it would be difficult to refuse.
likelihood of a change? 60 percent
Mohammed Salah
He can’t do that, can he? After signing a new three-year deal last summer, Salah has been linked with a move this summer with Paris Saint-Germain among the prospects.
His performances for Liverpool have been mixed this season but it would still be a big surprise if the Reds sell him. After all, he is the club’s top scorer. Why would they sell him now when they’ve done so much to keep him?
likelihood of a change? 20 percent
Curtis Jones
Jones, who also falls into the potentially sellable category, only signed a new contract in November. He had previously attracted interest from Aston Villa and Leeds United.
At 22, Klopp’s youngster is still seen as a long-term option. Its status as a homegrown should not be underestimated. So a sale seems unlikely, but that could depend on what kind of offer is put on the table.
likelihood of a change? 30 percent
And the rest …
Third goalkeeper Adrián will almost certainly leave on a free transfer, while Rhys Williams, Sepp van den Berg, Billy Koumetio, Leighton Clarkson, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton could be offered, either on a permanent or loan basis. Van den Berg and Clarkson are the most likely transfer candidates.
Youngsters such as Bobby Clark, Luke Chambers and Ben Doak, who have featured in the first team this season, could be loaned out, as well as Kaide Gordon, who has been absent for almost a year with a pelvic injury, as well as the prolific academy strikers Oakley Canonier and Layton Stewart.
