Jurgen Klopp is apparently planning a thorough clearout of up to ten players from Anfield this summer, taking his rebuilding of the club to unprecedented heights.
The Reds have enjoyed almost unbroken success since the German took charge at Anfield in October 2015. Leading them into three Champions League finals, they won the famous trophy for a sixth time in 2019. But for Real Madrid – twice their victors in the final – Klopp might have won the tournament three times.
Liverpool also were in the hunt to sign an unprecedented quadruple last season, only falling a few games short. However, with the FA Cup and Carabao Cup landing, Klopp has pretty much won all there is to win while on Merseyside.
This season, however, has been a totally different story. A bizarre malaise appears to have set in, leading to speculation that Klopp may even be sacked. That led Jamie Carragher to have his say on Klopp’s future amid heightening talk his job is in jeopardy.
However, looking at the 10 names being linked to the job, it’s perhaps easy to see why Liverpool may be best to stand by their man.
Truth be told, though, Liverpool require serious investment in their side this summer.
Plenty has been written about their need to sign probably two new midfielders. And there seems a growing opinion that another problem position in the side needs seriously freshening up too.
Either way, there are likely to be a number of ins and outs this summer as Klopp plots a route back to the summit.
Indeed, quite a few players do fall out of contract at Anfield and will likely move on anyway.
Liverpool ready to let 10 players depart this summer
Naby Keita – the club’s £52.75m signing from Leipzig – is one such player. And surprise reports on Tuesday suggested Keita is coming under the watchful eye of a London-based side.
However, the changes to their playing staff could become a lot more widespread than initially expected. As such, the Daily Mirror has put forward 10 names they believe may be shown the exit door this summer.
The list will be led by free agents Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita and veteran James Milner.
However, the report also claims that leaving this summer will be Brazilian star Fabinho, who has dramatically fallen from grace this season.
His compatriots Arthur Melo – a disappointing loan signing from Juventus – and club legend Roberto Firmino will also depart.
Firmino falls out of contract this summer and talks over an extension have been going on for some time. However, it’s now been deemed that he can leave with Klopp seemingly deciding that a clean break is for the best.
There will also be changes in defence with Nat Phillips – who came close to leaving in January – and Joel Matip also being shown the door. Matip, in particular, has struggled of late and was badly exposed in Saturday’s loss at Wolves.
And finally, two goalkeepers will also be allowed to move on. Adrian has served Liverpool well since arriving as a free agent in 2019.
Caoimhin Kelleher, though, will be a surprise departure this summer. The Irishman has excelleed whenever called upon but wants more regular football. He will command a sizeable fee.
Liverpool looking to sign Josko Gvardiol
With so many players leaving, Liverpool will put their focus into bringing in quality over quantity this summer.
Jude Bellingham remains their No 1 target in midfield, despite the fact he will likely cost upwards of £100m.
The club, though, also want a second midfielder alongside him. To that end, The Times’ Paul Joyce is adamant that Wolves’ Matheus Nunes figures high on Klopp’s wishlist.
However, Klopp also wants to sign another top-level centre-half if reports are to be believed.
And according to Calciomercato, Liverpool are firmly putting themselves in the picture to sign Josko Gvardiol.
The RB Leipzig defender is only 21 but already regarded as one of the world’s elite centre-halves.
Having signed from Dinamo Zagreb in 2020, the Croatian is now rated in the £88m (€100m) bracket. The chase for his services is vast, with Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham all huge admirers.
Liverpool have had a transfer window to forgetAfter not securing a deal for a midfielder, it’s fair to say that January wasn’t the best for Liverpool.0 seconds of 1 minute, 16 secondsVolume 90%
However, the player’s preference is seemingly to sign for Real Madrid, should they come calling.
There are doubts, though, that Los Blancos would pay such a fee for a defender. And Carlo Ancelotti’s side are likely to try and spend that sort of fee instead in recruiting a new big-name forward instead.
As such, Calciomercato reckons Liverpool are showing a firm interest in bringing him to Anfield. And despite the lofty fee, it’s reported that Klopp is ready to do all he can to bring the 19-times capped defender to Merseyside as a defensive partner for Virgil van Dijk.
source: www.teamtalk.com
