Liverpool have certainly improved their fortunes since replacing Brendan Rodgers with Jurgen Klopp, with the Reds having a chance of Champions League qualification if they win the Europa League, but it’s clear further changes are required this summer.
With Liverpool having to deal with the rise of Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, as well as their age-old rivals, the Merseyside outfit have a stern test ahead of them in the coming years- and transfers could be a crucial factor.
Whilst many in the bar excitingly discuss which players Klopp could bring in, some level-headed punters on the sofas are instead discussing which players could be offloaded- with it clear that some members of the squad just aren’t up to scratch.
Their discussion has been sparked by reports Daniel Sturridge could be on his way to Italy and, with the help of our landlord, they’ve come up with a list of players who could follow him out of Anfield.
Hit Sturridge below to see FIVE players that could follow him out of Liverpool!
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Mario Balotelli
It will hardly be surprising this summer when Mario Balotelli is removed from the wage bill at Anfield, after two more years to forget in the controversial Italian’s career. His initial year at Liverpool saw him struggle to find form and, upon returning to AC Milan on-loan for this season, he’s still looking shaky.
It’s a far cry to the Balotelli we saw previously, who was formidable at the European Championships four years ago, and whilst he’s still incredibly talented, he currently brings plenty of risk but little reward. That could change further down the line- but it won’t be at Anfield.
Christian Benteke
If there’s one side that struggles to get it right when it comes to signing strikers, it’s certainly Liverpool. Whilst they have seen the likes of Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez grace the field in recent years, the majority of forwards brought into Merseyside flop.
Christian Benteke is another example of this, brought for £32.5m last summer and failing to justify a price-tag worth a fraction of that figure. His squad place in this summer’s European Championship is at risk and it’s difficult to see him having a future at a top club.
For Liverpool, they must accept a loss on the price they paid and if they manage to recoup half the figure they paid last season, it will be a good deal.
Kolo Toure
The veteran Ivorian defender has given good years of service to Liverpool, after achieving success elsewhere in the Premier League with Manchester City and Arsenal, but it’s highly likely he will move on this summer.
His age doesn’t help his cause and with Liverpool looking for a defensive reshuffle, Toure will slip further down the pecking order. Turning 35 later this month, the second-most capped player in Ivory Coast’s history may call it a day on an illustrious career.
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is certainly a player Liverpool won’t want to lose, not least because he’s the club captain, but amid reports that Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a summer swoop, and able to offer Champions League football, it could be a good move for all parties.
With where Liverpool aspire to be, it’s a difficulty to see Henderson fitting into the starting eleven- particularly if Jurgen Klopp, as is expected, moves in the transfer market this summer to secure central midfielders.
For Henderson, first team football is a necessity for his claim to an England spot and if there’s a risk of him losing that chance, a move would be good for him.
Philippe Coutinho
Whilst an argument can be made for Liverpool accepting the departures of all the other players on this list, Philippe Coutinho is a figure that the Reds will desperately want to keep hold of- and losing the Brazilian could be extremely detrimental.
He’s arguably the closest thing Liverpool have in their ranks to a world-class player and he can become the crucial figure at Anfield. However, with a lack of Champions League football and the World Cup two years away, Coutinho will want to be at the highest level for his international side.
With Barcelona and Real Madrid amongst those courting his signature, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him become the latest Premier League star tempted by the offers of La Liga.
