Liverpool set for another summer fire sale with nine players on the verge of exits

Photo: IMAGO

Big Decisions on Trusted Names

There are also respected figures who still appear capable of contributing. Andy Robertson is described as having been “unnecessarily under-used this season”. If true, that raises questions over judgement as much as succession planning.

Joe Gomez is another whose versatility has long been valuable. The report says he “has been an excellent servant but now might be the right time to seek a new challenge.” That sounds plausible for both player and club.

Then there is Alexis Mac Allister, perhaps the most eye catching inclusion. Dominic King notes it is “not beyond the realms of possibility that he could be used to finance the next phase of the rebuild.” Selling one of the more technically gifted midfielders would be bold, and risky.

Youth Departures Could Sting Later

Liverpool also appear open to offers for Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott. Jones is described as “vastly experienced, well-decorated with honours and at an excellent age (25)”. Elliott, meanwhile, “deserves to play regularly”.

Those are the types of players clubs often regret losing, particularly if replacements fail to settle. Homegrown talent carries squad value, identity and long term upside.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool spent enormous money last summer and somehow look further away from competing now than they did a year ago.

If Salah goes, goals disappear. If Robertson goes, leadership disappears. If Jones and Elliott go, depth and connection to the club disappear. If Mac Allister goes, creativity disappears. At some point, you are not rebuilding, you are starting again.

The biggest concern is whether there is a clear football strategy behind these exits. Selling players is easy. Replacing them with the right profiles, personalities and durability is the difficult part. Liverpool already learned that expensive recruitment does not guarantee success.

Slot won the title in his first season, so he has credit in the bank, but this season has burned through plenty of goodwill. Supporters will accept change if it feels smart and purposeful. They will not accept another £400m summer followed by more drift, more tactical confusion and another fifth place finish.

This summer now feels decisive. Get it right, Liverpool can recover quickly. Get it wrong, and the club may slide further behind rivals who already look more stable and coherent.