Most of the attention given to Liverpool during the winter window has been focused on the players they could potentially be bringing in, but there are a number of names who are out of contract this summer – from players approaching the end of their career, to players looking for a new challenge. Jurgen Klopp will have a busy window trying to fill the holes left by the following five names.
Roberto Firmino – #9
The Brazilian magician has been invaluable to Liverpool throughout one of their most successful periods. Having tallied over 100 goals, no player has appeared for Jurgen Klopp more often than Bobby. Reds fans worldwide will be sad to see a club legend leave for a new challenge
Having recently turned 31, the forward is still a credible contributor for the side this season – scoring seven goals in 13 league games this year. This has led to many fans crying out for a contract renewal for the Brazilian – however with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez being the younger options, it wouldn’t make much business sense to renew the contract of a player on the decline.
Naby Keita – #8
A player the fan base won’t be too sad to see the back of, is the Guinean acquired from Leipzig in 2017. 122 appearances in 5 years is a waste of the original £60 million investment. Showing the occasional flashes of talent hasn’t been enough to earn Liverpool’s number eight a new contract or a move away.
Unfortunately Liverpool won’t recoup any of the initial fee when his contract runs out come June.
James Milner – #7
James Milner is yet another Liverpool legend looking for a new contract or a new home. After joining Liverpool from rivals Manchester City in 2015 on a free transfer, the Englishman has achieved everything he would have dreamed of and more in the subsequent 8 seasons.
It won’t only be the versatility he offers that Liverpool will miss, but the voice and guidance he provides behind the scenes.
Adrian – #13
Third choice keeper Adrian has confessed he desires a move away from Anfield in search of first-team football. The Spaniard has had his moments between the sticks for Liverpool, most notably his penalty shootout heroics in the UEFA Super Cup final against Chelsea in 2019.
But behind Alisson and second choice Kelleher, Adrian is unlikely to make many more appearances for the Reds. A move away is likely the best option for both parties.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – #15
One that will split the fan-base is the Ox. After arriving from Arsenal, the former winger was deployed as a midfielder in Klopp’s system – a role in which he found great success, utilising his pace and power to shuttle from box to box.
Unfortunately he has suffered a similar fate to Naby Keita, in that he has spent large periods in the treatment room following an injury sustained in the first-leg of the 2018 Champions League Semi-Final against Roma at Anfield. He has since found it hard to fight his way back into the team and if he’s to get regular football again, a move away might be in his best interest.
What next?
For the individual players mentioned, many of them look unlikely to be gracing the turf at Anfield next season. For the club it means they’ve got a valuable opportunity to free up a lot of money for the wage budget. With three of the five players mentioned being midfielders, it is clear to see where the board should reinvest.
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