Liverpool’s squad could look vastly different next season as they look to return to the summit of the Premier League.
It’s no secreт that changes are needed at Liverpool this summer and Jurgen Klopp has already had to wave goodbye to Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with the quartet leaving as free agents. They will need to be replaced but others could join them out the door at Anfield. Express Sport looks at how Liverpool’s squad could look heading into the opening game of next season.
Goalkeepers: Alisson, VERBRUGGEN
It looks increasingly likely that Liverpool will allow Caoimhin Kelleher to leave this summer with the talented goalkeeper pushing for a starting role elsewhere. Clubs will still have to meet Liverpool’s asking price and if that happens then a replacement will be needed.
Young Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen has been strongly linked with a move to Merseyside and he could be the ideal kind of target to come in as an understudy to Alisson.
Defenders: Alexander-Arnold, Ramsey, Van Dijk, Konate, Matip, Gomez, COLWILL, Robertson, Tsimikas
Liverpool were far from their defensive best this season and it’s something Klopp will want to fix immediately. Keeping everybody fit will be key, but it looks as though another central defender will be signed.
Chelsea star (currently on loan at Brighton) Levi Colwill appears to be Liverpool’s top target, although the west London outfit will likely put up a fight in negotiations. Liverpool will likely be hoping they can offload Nathaniel Phillips as well, who has been unable to break into Klopp’s squad on a regular basis.
Midfielders: Thiago, Bajcetic, Henderson, Jones, Fabinho, Elliott, BARELLA, MAC ALLISTER
It’s clear that midfield is the area where the biggest changes are needed with two marquee signings seen as the bare minimum. It may feel like a new signing at the start of next season with Stefan Bajcetic set to return from injury in pre-season.
But money will have to be spent too with Alexis Mac Allister seen as the most likely signing early in the window. Mason Mount has also been strongly linked, but Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella arguably fits Klopp’s squad better and would provide something different.
Attɑckers: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo, Jota, Diaz
Part of the reason for Firmino’s departure is due to Liverpool’s sheer depth now in ɑttack following Cody Gakpo’s arrival in January. Fabio Carvalho may need to leave on loan to gain some experience as he’s set for a big bɑttle to get more minutes next year.
The issue for Klopp will be keeping all his ɑttackers happy with Luis Diaz, Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez all fιghting to start. But that’s the kind of headache the Liverpool boss will want throughout his squad in having an array of options to choose from.