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5 Liverpool players are out of contract next summer – but who deserves a new deal?

With a lot of talk about the club signing a new midfielder, Liverpool have five players out of contract next summer, but who deserves to stay?

There will likely be a lot of movement next summer, as the club continues to be heavily linked with Jude Bellingham and Moises Caicedo, to name a few.

Having started poorly this season, fans understand that this set of players, who have been performing at such a high level for the last four years, may need to be analysed and re-vitalised.

That could come from letting fringe and out-of-contract players leave the club, but who should go and who should stay?

Out of Contract Next Summer

Naby Keita

The 27-year-old has struggled with frequent injuries during his time at Liverpool which has meant he’s never held down a regular place in the starting line-up. He is open to a new deal but he wants guarantees from the club he’ll be an important player.

Currently, he’s out injured and the club has to decide whether to endure another season or two with his unavailability. There has been talk that the club will grant him a new deal, but only to ensure they can sell him on as they believe he is a valuable player still – there’s also reported interest too.

Verdict: Given his injury record, it’s clear he can’t be relied on and despite some bright moments, Liverpool could sign a more dependable and younger midfielder to take his place.

Roberto Firmino

Having been at the club since 2015, now may be the perfect time to part ways with the Brazilian. He’s won everything he could have won at the club and been a huge part of a big club for seven years now.

Given the money spent on Darwin Nunez and the fact that Diogo Jota is also a leading frontman, the Reds could say farewell to one of their favourites at the end of the season.

Verdict: Given his age and the decline we’ve seen in the last two years, it makes sense to move Firmino on at the end of the season. Just make sure he gets the send-off he deserves.

James Milner

Utilised in several positions under Jurgen Klopp, James Milner has turned out to be a much bigger part of this squad than anyone first imagined when he signed from Manchester City.

At 36, it’s clear he can’t be starting matches for Liverpool in the big games anymore, despite his incredible fitness levels. He has been key in covering both full-back positions and his influence off the pitch has also been a key part of their success.

Verdict: At 36, there’s a fair claim for him moving on, but given the flexibility he offers Klopp, perhaps one more year may be the way forward before leaving. One of either Keita or Milner are likely to move on with Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

With injuries being the main antagonist in his story, Oxlade-Chamberlain has struggled for regular game time even when fit. There’s a pecking order in midfield, and sadly, he is rooted nearer the bottom and is definitely below the young duo of Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho.

Currently out with a hamstring issue, the 28-year-old has already had interest earlier this summer and a move makes sense for both parties.

Verdict: Having barely featured in recent years, it may be time for the Ox to move on and look to play more regular football if his body lets him that is. There was interest from Aston Villa and West Ham this summer and it’s time to move him on.

Adrian

Currently the third-choice keeper at the club behind Alisson and Caoimhin  Kelleher, he has barely featured in the last few years.

Still 35, there’s time for him to move to a lower-level club where he could potentially be a starter, perhaps in his native Spain.

Verdict: With Kelleher at the club, Liverpool have a very good number two and with Adrian at 35, he could still have a career somewhere else at what is the twilight of his career.

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