Liverpool ‘open to offers’ as staggering Edwards plan to offload up to 16 emerge

Michael Edwards Liverpool sporting director 2018

Liverpool are ready to significantly trim their squad this summer and wage bill this summer and are willing to listen to offers for several players now regarded as dispensable by Jurgen Klopp. 

The Reds are set for a major squad overhaul, with Klopp needing to change things round after a disastrous Premier League title defence. The Anfield outfit are expected to bring in additions, with a deal for Ibrahima Konate already in the works. But expensive fringe players are likely to be sold off as a result.

According to The Athletic‘s James Pearce, Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards have identified six players they are willing to sell. As per the article, they are said to have informed suitors that both Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri have been told they can leave. 

It will come as no shock to see Origi move on this summer in search for regular first-team football. Newcastle and more latterly Inter Milan and Leeds have been linked with a move for the Belgian. He’s also been mentioned as a makeweight in a possible swoop for Celtic frontman Odsonne Edouard.

Shaqiri is another who has failed to establish himself as a regular at Anfield. The Swiss, a talented turn on his day, has been restricted to just five Premier League starts this season. Now 29, he finds himself someway down Klopp’s choice of regular starters.

Marko Grujic is another Liverpool plan to offload. Grujic, 24, is currently on a season-long loan with Porto but will not be remaining at Estadio do Dragao.

Capped nine times by Serbia, Grujic still has two years of his Anfield deal to run. And, speaking in January, he revealed his frustration at the club’s tough negotiating strategy.

“They certainly want to make money on me,” he said. “The English are quite demanding during the negotiations. They do not lack money and can close the amount they want. So it is with me.

“It was unrealistic that they asked for €20m for me, so the loan was the most realistic.”

It’s also claimed that Harry Wilson, Sheyi Ojo and Ben Woodburn will also be allowed to leave. The trio are all out on loan this season and have reportedly been told they have no future at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool must not think about winning Champions League

Jurgen Klopp: Liverpool must not think about winning Champions League

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says his team are not yet thinking about winning the Champions League after overcoming RB Leipzig 4-0 on aggregate in the last 16.

Liverpool could make some decent money by offloading the unwanted sextet. However, This Is Anfield claims other players are also likely to depart too.

They state that Loris Karius, Liam Millar, Kamil Grabara and Taiwo Awoniyi could also like be made available. Furthermore, doubts remain over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kostas Tsimikas and Ben Davies.

In addition, Adrian and Yasser Larouci will depart the club at the end of their contracts. Adrian is tipped to return to Spain, while Larouci is a target for Leeds.

Another who could depart is Georginio Wijnaldum. His contract is also due to expire and while the Reds want him to stay, details of the huge offer put to him by Barcelona have now emerged.


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Klopp dismissive of Liverpool squad rebuild

Liverpool will reportedly use the summer to try and bring down the average age of their squad.

Indeed, 12 of his current squad are 28 or over. Nine of these are considered core players. Only Fabinho, Andy Robertson, Diogo Jota, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones their only senior players under that age.

Jurgen Klopp Robertson Origi TEAMtalk

And only two – Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota – of Liverpool’s last six major transfers could be classed as likely first-team starters.

But when asked if he needs a wholesale squad rebuild, Klopp offered a calm response.

“Rebuild? No. What is ‘rebuild’ exactly? Rebuild means 10 out, 10 in? Changes to which XI?” he said.

“I know what you mean but I don’t think it is time for a massive rebuild like how I understand it: six, seven out, running contracts but trying to get rid of them and bring in all the new faces.

“The squad of this year didn’t have the chance to play together one time really. I think it would make sense to have a look at that but on top of that, of course little readjustments will happen.

“Reacting on the situation but planning at the same time for the future and all these kinds of things.

“I am not sure we can do that in the summer but that is what we will try.”

READ MORE: French media reveal key Liverpool advance over Ibrahima Konate deal