According to a report, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told a defender that he is part of a massive nine-man clearout this summer
The Reds have had a disappointing season, allowing their usual high standards to slip under Klopp. Indeed, they are currently fighting for a top-four finish and the return of Champions League football to Anfield next season.
They are currently sixth in the table, seven points behind Tottenham in fourth, despite having two games in hand. Newcastle, who have played the same number of games as the Reds and are only two points behind Spurs, could pose the biggest threat.
To demonstrate their dramatic fall from grace, Liverpool has relinquished their grip on the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, both of which they won last season. And their Champions League adventure came to an end in the first round, with Real Madrid winning 6-2 on aggregate.
As a result, the club is preparing to begin a major rebuilding project this summer.
In addition, Klopp is looking to bolster his midfield with at least two new players in the engine room.
To that end, Jude Bellingham is a top target, though the Dortmund teenager will almost certainly cost more than £100 million.
Furthermore, Klopp is pursuing two Wolves players, with talk of a double £80 million raid this week gaining traction.
Klopp, on the other hand, wants to strengthen his central defense. To that end, the Reds manager is considering a number of potential upgrades in an area where his team is normally very strong.
Liverpool has informed the defender that he is one of seven who will be leaving the club.
To help fund such transactions, Liverpool’s player sales are likely to be just as important as their arrivals.
And, with FSG looking for new investors to fund their transactions, money is likely to be tight for the Merseysiders.
Regardless, the owners will do everything possible to allow Liverpool to compete for their top targets.
However, Bellingham’s arrival may limit what else they can do during the summer window. As a result, player sales could provide a welcome boost to Klopp’s bank account.
To that end, three departures from Anfield have already been confirmed this summer. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Roberto Firmino will all leave when their contracts expire.
Firmino, in particular, has been a key component of their recent success and will leave Merseyside as a true legend.
It appears that the trio will be joined by six other players.
And, first and foremost, Klopp is prepared to fire three center-halves this summer, with Football Insider reporting that Rhys Williams has been told he has no future at the club.
The 22-year-old has only appeared in 19 games for Liverpool and is far down the pecking order.
He did, in fact, spend the first half of the 2022/23 season with Blackpool before being recalled by the Reds.
Liverpool is attempting to raise transfer funds.
The Seasiders are reportedly interested in signing Williams on a permanent basis this summer.
Nat Phillips, who is expected to command a fee of around £12 million, will follow him out the door. West Ham and Newcastle are both interested in him.
Liverpool will also consider offers for Joel Matip, whose contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024. This season, the former Cameroon defender has struggled to find his best form.
Klopp will also sell Irish goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, albeit reluctantly.
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