A summer of transition awaits Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp leaves the Merseyside outfit after nine years . The German tactician may not be the only influential figure to depart Anfield in coming days, with several key players potentially on the verge of following the 56-year-old out the exit door.
Arne Slot has already been confirmed as Klopp’s successor. While the Dutchman’s appointment appears promising, a number of Liverpool players might feel tempted to seek pastures new, having forged such a strong bond with Klopp that may no longer be present.
With a new era set to begin in Liverpool, we’ve identified five Liverpool players who could be considering hanging up their Red shirts.
Virgil van Dijk
Arriving at Anfield in January 2018, Virgil van Dijk has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s success under Jürgen Klopp. He played a vital role in their triumphs in the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.
Last summer, the Dutch international took the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson. However, he has recently hinted at a potential departure from Anfield.
“That’s a big question. I don’t know,” Van Dijk told the Athletic in January after he was asked about his future at the club in the post-Klopp era.
“The club will have a big job on their hands, that is well known. To replace not only the manager but the whole staff and there are so many things that will change.
“I’m very curious which direction that will go in, but when that will be announced we will see our situation.”
The 32-year-old centre-back has entered the final year of his Liverpool contract. Having spent the past eight and a half seasons in the Premier League, he may be tempted by a fresh challenge before hanging up his boots.
Joel Matip
Another stalwart of the Anfield faithful leaving at the end of his contract this summer seems likely to be Joel Matip. The defender has been a superb servant to Liverpool for eight years,but it seems likely that the Cameroonian will draw the curtains on his Reds chapter soon.
The injury-prone centre-back ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Fulham back in December. This setback ruled him out for the remainder of the 2023/24 season, and with his contract expiring in June, a move away looks likely.
From Slot’s perspective, keeping gold of a defender who is well past his prime appears counter-productive. Matip, therefore, is almost certain to leave the club within coming days. A number of European clubs have shown strong interesting in securing his signature.
Thiago Alcantara
Thiago Alcantara was the signing that was supposed to revolutionise the Liverpool midfield. The former Bayern Muncih star’s incredible passing range and ball retention capabilities were just what the doctor ordered to make Klopp’s Liverpool even more dynamic in the middle of the pitch.
Unfortunately, we were only restricted to enjoying bits and pieces of Thiago’s immense potential in Liverpool colours. Recurrent injuries prevented him to fulfill his promise, but when was fully fit, he was nothing short of delightful to watch.
Liverpool fans will never forget Thiago’s scintillating debut at Stamford Bridge. Stepping off the bench in the second half of their 2-0 win over Chelsea, he etched his name into Premier League history. He completed the most passes by a player in 45 minutes, out-passing every single Blues player despite only featuring for half the match.
Many would also recall his midfield masterclass in Liverpool’s 4-0 thrashing of arch-rivals Manchester United in 2022. His incredible half-volley goal against Porto will also go in the highlight reels.
But, injuries have tormented the midfielder repeatedly throughout his Liverpool career. He clocked only five minutes of Premier League football in the 2023/24 season. He also missed out 20 Premier League matches in the 22/23 season because of injury. It seems unlikely that Slot would retain such an injury prone player in his team.
Andy Robertson
A mainstay under Klopp since arriving from Hull City in summer 2017, Robertson’s recent form suggests he might be losing a step. A new manager could look to address this at left-back with a younger option this summer.
Robertson still has two years left on his Liverpool contract, but the lack of minutes might prompt him to pursue regular football elsewhere. Despite being a Liverpool fan favourite, he has been a Celtic fan since childhood, and now could be the best time to chase his dream of playing at Celtic Park for the Hoops.
“When I look at Celtic and when I was growing up, I was thinking I wanted to give them my best years,” Robertson revealed in the Currie Club podcast in 2022.
“When I was at Queen’s Park, I had a dream of still playing with Celtic and always dreamed of giving my best years to Celtic. I don’t want to go as a 34 or 35-year-old old guy that my uncles start hating on me because I can’t move any more!”
The Scotland international celebrated his 30th birthday in March this year. If he is to make a move to the Scottish giants, a regime change at Liverpool should make his decision easier.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has went on record saying that he has no plans to leave Liverpool after Klopp’s departure. He reaffirmed his commitment to the club and Liverpool also revealed that they expect the “Egyptian King” to stay.
That said, the whispers of a big money move to Saudi Arabia refuses to go away. Salah is on the wrong side of his thirties now and he has entered his final year of the contract. Even though Liverpool say they want to keep him, there has been no concrete reports indicating the club has offered him a new contract.
Liverpool have been happy to wave goodbye to players on frees, but Mohamed Salah is a different kettle of fish. The Meresysiders would be foregoing a significant amount of money in transfer fees if they don’t sell him right now. Al Ettihad were willing to splash as much as £150 million for the prolific winger last season, so it wouldn’t be unrealistic to expect a sum around at least £50 million for Salah right now. That money should be a valuable addition to Liverpool’s war chest for next season.
