Potential Destinations for Our Departing Reds
With so much talk regarding who we should sign in the coming months, it is sometimes easy to forget those that will be leaving Anfield at the end of this season. I can only imagine the pride and happiness of a player and his family, when such an historical and celebrated to football club come knocking at the door. To sign for such a famous institution is often the peak of any footballing career. The sad part is, how we, that with any peak must come the eventual decline, which probably coincides with how the reds current campaign has unfolded. With just a few months until the next transfer window open, I wanted to look at where our departing squad members may end up before next season.
Caoimhin Kelleher
A gifted second choice keeper that will no doubt look for a first team role next season. With Alisson Becker holding his place as the world’s best keeper, it is inevitable that our Irish international will be moving on.
Likely Destinations;Â
Leeds United, Leicester City.
These two clubs are in desperate need of a reliable number one, with so many goals conceded this term. Kelleher would vastly improve either teams keeping situation, whilst being a good next step for our academy graduate.
Potential fee – £15m
Adrián
With his contract soon to expire, it’s unlikely that the former West Ham stopper will be retained by Klopp. With another keeper likely to be signed and our Brazilian youngster, Marcelo Pitaluga, promoted to the first team squad, it does seem like this will be Adrián’s last season at Anfield.
Likely Destinations;Â
A return to his native Spain is likely. It would be difficult to see the former Betis keeper taking on a first team role in the Premier League, therefore a move down to the Championship or back home would appear most probable.
Potential fee – Free (expired contract)
Konstantinos Tsimikas
The reshaping of Liverpool’s back line and midfield, could see a more defensive left back / centre back signed at this seasons close. With Andy Robertson assured of his place in the squad, this would represent a good period to cash in on our Greek international fullback.
Likely Destinations;Â
West Ham, Newcastle.
Both these big spending clubs have a clear pathway for any new left back that may arrive. Aaron Cresswell is 33 years old, whereas Emerson Palmieri has struggled to hold down a starting place for the Hammers. At Newcastle, neither Paul Dummett or Jamal Lewis is particularly fancied by Eddie Howe, so could be replaced by a starting left back this summer.
Potential fee – £25m
Joël Matip
The much-loved Cameroonian may well be scarified this summer, with a more dynamic, younger, and physically robust body brought in to the defensive group. It does seem like the time to cash in, therefore a move to Serie A could suit his needs and current age (he will be 32-years old in August).
Likely Destinations;Â
AC Milan, PSG.
With Simon Kjær closing in on 35-years of age (for Milan) and Sergio Ramos now 37-years-old (at PSG), either would be smart to sign Matip for a reasonable fee. Though his regression is plain for all LFC fans to see, his stock will still be high throughout Europe.
Potential fee – £15m
Joe GomezÂ
I would prefer this talented 25-year-old a prolonged stay, given the versatility he could offer in our evolving system. Ultimately, both he and Klopp may feel it’s time to part ways, which would create a long list of options for him.
Likely Destinations;Â
West Ham, Tottenham, Newcastle, Aston Villa.
A gifted yet continually inconsistent player. He was England’s best defender just a few years ago, so every Premier League club who has ambitions to break into the top four, will target this man.
Potential fee – £40m
Nat Phillips
The Academy prospect has just turned 26-years-old, so must now look for a club that will make the central defender a first-choice starter. A drop into the championship is likely, with relegated teams more able to afford a solid fee and wages.
Potential Destinations;Â
Nottingham Forest, Southampton.
Nat can operate to his strengths in a lower league, with his aerial ability and physicality perfect for that robust division. It may take a team desperate for a bounce back to take on his £40k per week wages, therefore I could see a recently relegated team look to bring him in.
Potential fee – £7m
James MilnerÂ
It’s very 50/50 as to whether a new contract is offered to the 37-year-old. If the reds truly want to build a new team, then we can’t keep hold of this limited man.
Likely Destinations;Â
Leeds, Liverpool Academy (coaching role)
I think he would either return to a relegated Leeds (with the hope of helping them achieve promotion), or begin his first steps into a coaching role at Liverpool.
Potential fee – Free (expired contract)
Alex Oxlade ChamberlainÂ
His time is nearly up, however, as a player that starts next season as a 30-year-old, he could be a useful addition to many suitors. There will surely be a raft of teams that could offer him regular playing time, which is something every Liverpool fan would love to see.
Likely Destinations;Â
Brighton, Burnley, Crystal Palace
With Enock Mwepu now retired and Alexis Mac Allister being linked with an Anfield switch, this could represent a good and experienced signing for Brighton. Burnley are coming up to the big-league next year, so may well see a veteran addition as critical to their first year back in the top division. Palace are set for a summer of change, with both a new manager needed and a maybe a replacement for club talisman, Wilfried Zaha.
Potential fee – Free (expired contract)
Naby Keïta
The man could and should have become elite, however, leaves for free this summer. Though this is a player that has always divided opinion, I hope he goes on to have a steady career in a less demanding league.
Likely Destinations;Â
Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
I can see a return to the Bundesliga as a real possibility this summer, as it was the league which saw his best career form at Leipzig. Dortmund could be losing Jude Bellingham, Bayer may well sell Florian Wirtz, whilst RBL may cash in on both Dominik Szoboszlai and Christopher Nkunku. Either club could benefit from signing the Guinean, who has so much more to offer the game.
Potential fee – Free (expired contract)
Roberto Firmino
It seems that the Liverpool legend will become another Bosman addition to the Barcelona squad. Hopefully his recent injury will not cause him to miss too many of his remaining moments, as he truly has been one of the reds greatest ever servants.
Likely Destinations;Â
Barcelona.
It looks like this is a deal that gets done, therefore I look forward to seeing grace the Camp Nou.
Potential fee – Free (expired contract)
