Liverpool could look to sell up to five players next summer as they plan their summer re-build.
The Reds have several players out of contract next summer as well as players with injury issues and players who perhaps have had their time at the club now.
This summer saw an era come to an end with Sadio Mane leaving for Bayern Munich and that could be the start of another upheaval for next year.
With plenty to ponder for the Liverpool higher-ups, we analyse who could go and what a potential rebuild may look like.
🔴 A major rebuild could be on the way for Liverpool…
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— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) September 8, 2022
Which five players need to be sold?
According to the Daily Express Sport, five players Liverpool need to get rid of to undergo a rebuild are James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino and Joe Gomez.
Fans will miss Roberto Firmino dearly, although his form has dipped considerably and if they can get the £28M he’s valued at, it would be great business.
Out of those players, all but Gomez are out of contract next summer and it remains likely that they will all depart. Especially the midfield options, as Jurgen Klopp’s midfield is due for some fresh blood capable of handling the intensity of playing in his pressing system.
It is perhaps an easier decision than first though, given Milner has shown signs of a real decline, Chamberlain is already a fringe player and suffers too many injuries and Keita can never stay fit enough to put together a serious run in the side.
Although with Gomez, who just signed a new long-term deal earlier this summer, has started the season in poor form being especially criticised in the Napoli loss. However, his wages aren’t astronomically high and move could occur but given that Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk are in their 30s, he may stay because of his age.
Just Jude Bellingham… 🤩#UCL pic.twitter.com/jmBfTZXrTX
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 10, 2022
Players who have been linked with a move next summer are the likes of Jude Bellingham and Moises Caicedo. Bellingham is the long-term target and after missing out on Aurelien Tchouameni this summer, Klopp will want to secure his man this time around. Although they will face stiff competition from Real Madrid.
Caicedo has emerged as a rising star; the 20-year-old was little known when he signed back in 2021 but his incredible start to the season has seen him become more and more popular amongst fans and Premier League clubs are all watching him closely.
The Ecuadorian midfielder is set to be offered a new deal as a result of his good form to ward off any potential suitors, but it’s not likely to deter the Reds. Bellingham will have the last word, but we won’t see any movement on that until the end of this season.
Other targets will emerge too – someone like Konrad Laimer at RB Leipzig is perfect for Klopp’s system and is in the final year of his deal. What we know for sure is that we will see players depart next summer and the midfield has to see some changes if Liverpool want to be successful again.