LIVERPOOL NEWS: Reds could lose 14 players this summer as exit plans start to emerged

Liverpool have been linked with some big money transfers, but there will be significant exits at Anfield this summer. 

There are still eight Premier League games to play and the transfer window will only officially open in 72 days.

But there is no doubt that things are gaining momentum ahead of what could prove to be a pivotal summer for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and the recruiting team.

Much has focused on potential incoming players, with an emphasis on the imminent rebuilding of the midfield, which has clearly become necessary during a difficult campaign. Some players may be barred from participating at this point, but plenty more are in the frame.

And the outing at Anfield is likely to be used as much as the entry, with the squad composition next season almost certain to be significantly different given the large number of upcoming departures. Who’s definitely going?

There are currently only two guaranteed departures from Anfield. Roberto Firmino has already confirmed he will leave at the end of the season when his current contract expires after eight years at the club and Arthur Melo will return to Juventus after a loan deal which, for charity, could have gone better.

Who do you think is going?

However, Firmino isn’t the only Liverpool player set to become a free agent this summer. But while the others have not officially confirmed their intentions, at this late stage it looks increasingly unlikely that they will continue with the Reds.

James Milner is the best known, having been at the club since the summer of 2015, like Firmino. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, signed two years later, is set to leave amid speculation that Naby Keita could return to Germany. It is perhaps no coincidence that none of these three players has started a Premier League game in midfield since February.

Who could go?

This is the trickier question, which will determine much of what Liverpool can achieve in terms of attracting new players and the funds available to target certain parts of the squad. Therefore, the Reds will keep an open mind, with nothing set in stone just yet. That goes for Fabio Carvalho, who has been linked with a summer outing having played just five minutes in the Premier League since he appeared in 10 of his first 11 top games. A loan is not excluded.

Caoimhin Kelleher would attract plenty of attention if allowed to leave, having played just three times since his League Cup final exploits 14 months ago. But with Adrian seemingly set to leave, Liverpool won’t want to miss out on goalkeeping options behind Alisson Becker.

There could be a number of defensive exits. Nat Phillips has been close to leaving Liverpool since breaking into the first team but it would be a huge surprise if he doesn’t leave this time. Joel Matip has started just one game since February and heading into the final year of his contract, this summer would be Liverpool’s last chance on a fee for a player who turns 32 in August. Rhys Williams may have renewed interest from lower division clubs while Kostas Tsimikas has been linked with potential suitors in recent weeks.

Otherwise, Liverpool could be asked to capitalize on some youngsters who have impressed on loan this season. Leighton Clarkson performed well at Aberdeen, fellow midfielder Tyler Morton also performed well at Blackburn Rovers, while Conor Bradley won the Papa Johns Trophy with Bolton Wanderers at Wembley earlier this month.

Also..

Reports in Spain: Trent‍y Alexander-Arnold is a target for FC Barcelona as a marquee signing

According to reports from Spain, FC Barcelona are looking to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a trademark signing.

Despite being nearly $1.5 billion in debt, the Blaugrana have signed a number of top players this summer, including centre-back Jules Kounde, winger Raphinha and striker Robert Lewandowski.

Coach Xavi Hernandez is also trying to strengthen the right-back position as Ronald Araujo often plays this position in pre-season friendlies.

Gerard Pique’s return, Andreas Christensen’s free transfer and a lack of options mean that, contrary to many corners’ expectations, Culers may have to wait for Araujo and Kounde to advance together in midfield.

Cesar Azpilicueta, a former Chelsea team-mate of Christensen, is wanted by Barca for the job on the pitch, but as he turns 33 later this month and is older than Kounde or Araujo, he won’t is not a long-term possibility.

To that end, the Catalans are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold as their star player in 2023, according to an exclusive report by Futbol Total. The Scouser’s contract expires in 2025 but Barca are ready to test the toughness of Jurgen Klopp’s side by making them an offer of 81.5 million dollars ($80 million).

Half of the possible coup will be covered by the money Barcelona will receive from Atletico Madrid if they pay $40.7m ($40m) to land loanee Antoine Griezmann next summer. To complete the deal, Barcelona would also sell other players.

Alexander-Arnold was born in Liverpool and has been with the team since the age of six, but having already won every English league title by the age of 23, as Sadio Mane did recently , this can motivate him to seek new opportunities. .

The Senegalese striker, legendary at Anfield, orchestrated a move to Bayern Munich during the current transfer window and Klopp hasn’t stopped him from achieving his goals. Barca’s alleged interest in Alexander-Arnold has yet to be confirmed by reports from Catalonia.