For the first time in what seems like years, Liverpool possess a squad with considerable depth in nearly all positions. The Red’s sizeable roster has been key to Jurgen Klopp’s men coming closer to achieving an unprecedented quadruple than any other English club before them. Despite the team’s on-field success this term, it looks like this summer will bring a major shake-up to the Anfield dressing room, and see a number of familiar faces head out the exit door.
Here we take a look at some of the stand-out names that could soon be plying their trade elsewhere.
- Divock Origi
The Belgian forward had long been rumoured to bid farewell to Merseyside this year upon the expiry of his current contract, and his imminent departure was confirmed earlier this week. Origi has reportedly agreed terms with newly crowned Italian champions AC Milan.
- James Milner
Club vice-captain and veteran midfielder James Milner is another who’s contract is up this summer. Jurgen Klopp has publicly stated his desire to retain the services of the former Manchester City man with his presence off the pitch being valued just as highly as his efforts on it.
“It’s no secret that James is in the last year of his current deal – and again – I emphasise ‘current’”.
– Klopp included in his program notes prior to Liverpool’s clash with Leeds back in February.
Milner faces the prospect of reduced playing time should he stay at Liverpool, and at 36, has only made nine Premier League starts this season.
It’s possible Milner feels he can make a greater contribution than he may be afforded the opportunity to at Liverpool next year, and look to obtain more minutes elsewhere. On the other hand the current number seven’s versatility has provided a much-needed solution for Klopp on several occasions; most recently when he was deployed at right-back in place of the injured Joe Gomez against Southampton last Tuesday.
- Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez enjoyed a brilliant season in 2019/20, partnering Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence and aiding the club to its first league title in 30 years. However, the 25-year-old was part of an injury crisis that struck the first team during the following campaign, and was side-lined for 10 months with a ruptured tendon.
Since his rehabilitation, Gomez has struggled to regain his regular spot in Klopp’s team, with a rejuvenated Joel Matip and new signing Ibrahima Konate being higher up in the pecking order. The former Charlton defender has deputised at right-back for Trent Alexander-Arnold this season, although even that role could be under threat when Neco Williams returns from his loan spell at EFL Championship winning side Fulham.
With a potential place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup in Qatar this winter up for grabs, Gomez could leave for pastures new and more playing time.
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been plagued by recurrent injuries throughout his career, and his best form for Liverpool was interrupted by fitness issues. The 28-year-old England international is out of contract next year but the Red’s may seek to cash in on him before he leaves on a free.
- Loris Karius
Loris Karius’ heart-breaking career at Liverpool will come to an end this summer. The German shot stopper hasn’t made a competitive appearance for the club in four years; since his costly mistakes in the 2018 Champions League final saw the trophy head to Spain with Real Madrid for a 13th time.
- Takumi Minamino
Despite having his appearances restricted mainly to domestic cup competitions this season, Takumi Minamino has impressed when called on by his manager.
The Japan international has registered 11 shots on target this season, and scored with 10 of them. The forward found the net more than any other player in a red shirt in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, thus proving integral to Liverpool’s now defunct quadruple bid.
Minamino spent the latter half of last season on loan with Southampton and due to the competition he faces for a place in Liverpool’s forward line, could be another who moves on in search of regular minutes.
The 27-year-old has most recently been linked with a move to Italy, with Lazio monitoring his situation (as per Ekrem Konur on Twitter).
- Mohamed Salah
The presence of Mohamed Salah’s name on this list will horrify the vast majority of Liverpool fans. With a year left on the Egyptian’s contract and previous stalls in extension talks yet to be resolved, uncertainty has begun to mount over the future of this season’s Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Year winner.
Liverpool would be reluctant to let their star man leave, but may be forced to generate a profit on Salah should no solution to his contract stand-off come to fruition.
Links to Real Madrid have resurfaced after Los Blancos’ primary target Kylian Mbappe extended his stay with PSG, and Erling Haaland opted to join Manchester City. The Spanish champions will face Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday in a repeat of the 2018 spectacle.
It looks as if a busy transfer window is on the horizon for Liverpool, and how many of the current squad don a different colour jersey next year remains to be seen. Red’s fans should also look ahead to the prospect of some exciting new incoming signings, with the arrival of Portuguese attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho being announced yesterday.