The upcoming summer transfer window is expected to be a busy one for Liverpool, as they look to overhaul their squad following a disappointing season.
This mini-series of articles will look at which players should stay at Anfield next season and which of the current squad should be moved on.
Today, we will be looking at which goalkeepers and defenders should stay or leave in the summer.
Keep:
- Alisson Becker
- Marcelo Pitaluga
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Virgil Van Dijk
- Ibou Konate
- Joe Gomez
- Andy Robertson
- Kostas Tsimikas
Sell:
- Caoimhin Kelleher (£25 million)
- Adrian (Free)
- Calvin Ramsay (Loan)
- Joel Matip (£15 million)
- Rhys Williams (Loan)
- Nathaniel Phillips (£7 million)
Caoimhin Kelleher:
The Irishman has been very honest regarding his desire for consistent first-team football, so it would be harsh to keep him here if he really wants to leave.
There is also a clear point that huge profit could be made in the goalkeeping department, with Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur both linked with a pricy move for Kelleher.
A solid backup keeper could cost no more than around £7 million, which could provide around £18 million to strengthen other areas of the squad.
Adrian:
The 36-year-old’s current contract at Anfield is set to expire in June and has barely featured over the past two seasons due to the form of Caoimhin Kelleher.
Adrian has ultimately struggled to massively impress during his time at the club and him leaving could provide an opportunity for Marcelo Pitaluga to become third-choice.
Calvin Ramsay:
Injuries have destroyed the youngster’s debut season for the Reds, forcing him into a small number of minutes for the Under-21s.
If his current back injury is sorted in the near future, a loan move could be perfect to get him back into shape and playing regular football once again.
Joel Matip:
Perhaps the most controversial name on this list, this summer may be the last opportunity for Liverpool to make any sort of profit on the Cameroonian.
The 31-year-old hasn’t had a great season and is likely to fall behind Ibou Konate and Joe Gomez in the pecking order.
With the Reds linked with a move for a central defender in the summer, it’s hard to see Matip staying on Merseyside in all honesty.
Rhys Williams:
Arguably, Liverpool should’ve moved Williams in 2021 after his solid performances helped Liverpool into the top four as since then the youngster’s career has stagnated.
Failed loan spells at Swansea City and Blackpool now mean that if the Reds were to try and sell the 22-year-old, they would be lucky to get a seven-figure transfer fee.
One more loan spell could provide a final push to increase the value of the defender before moving him on permanently next summer.
Nathaniel Phillips:
Similarly, Liverpool potentially should’ve sold Phillips to Bournemouth last summer following his successful loan spell on the South Coast.
A move then could’ve been worth around £15 million compared to that of around £7 million this summer.
If Liverpool put off this move any longer, the 26-year-old’s transfer value is likely to decrease further.
Summary:
In total, these possible transfer movements would potentially free up a further £47 million to Liverpool’s transfer budget for the summer window.
This money could be put towards improving the midfield further or reinvesting into a right-back, center-back and backup goalkeeper.
Agree with most of this list, but I’d be surprised if we get £15m for Matip, if I’m wrong and we do then great. I’d like to think we could still get that sort of fee for Philips, considering we sold Solanke a few years ago for £18m if my memory is accurate. I’d also test the water and see what sort of fee we could get for Rhys Williams, if we can get something like £5m, then take it. If we do struggle to get a seven figure sum, then yes loan him out for a year to try and increase his value. Any money we can raise I would put towards the transfer budget, ideally we can get three new midfielders, a new centre back and backup right back and goalkeeper. The backup goalkeeper, I would look at a free transfer if possible. I did think a new centre back should be able to play left back, but as it looks like Tsimikas is (hopefully) staying, then I think we’re ok with that position for now. £25m for Kelleher sounds about right, I would look into trying to insert a buy-back clause into any sale for Kelleher however. He could potentially be a long term replacement for Alisson if he performs well when playing week in, week out.
Why keep joe gomez and sell Williams and philips