SIX Players Liverpool Will Sell this Summer: The Five Players to Replace Out-of-Contract Liverpool Stars

Liverpool is preparing for a significant squad overhaul under Arne Slot, with reports indicating that three key players could be sold in the summer. Despite being at the top of the Premier League, the Merseyside club is already making plans to reshape the team for the future.

The Reds currently boast a six-point lead over second-placed Arsenal with a game in hand, positioning themselves well for a potential league title under Slot’s leadership. However, this hasn’t stopped Liverpool from strategizing for the upcoming transfer window, where a few notable exits are expected.

Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp last summer, has guided Liverpool to a strong campaign across multiple competitions. The Reds are in the last 16 of the Champions League, set to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final, and are competing in the FA Cup, where they take on Plymouth Argyle.

Despite their impressive performances, Liverpool’s transfer activity under Slot has been minimal. The only major signing in his first summer was Juventus winger Federico Chiesa for £10 million. In January, the club refrained from making any additional moves, relying on the core squad built during Klopp’s tenure. However, that is set to change in the summer, with a major shake-up expected.

According to Anfield Watch, three of Liverpool’s key attacking players—Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez, and Luis Díaz—are likely to be sold. The potential departures of these forwards signal a shift in Liverpool’s attacking strategy under Slot.

Both Núñez and Díaz have reportedly attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League, with the duo having three and two years left on their respective contracts. Meanwhile, Jota, who has struggled with injuries, will enter the final two years of his contract this summer, leaving his future uncertain.

Díaz, who joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for £37.5 million, has been a key player for the club. Núñez, brought in from Benfica for £64 million later that year, has also been an integral part of the attack. Jota, who arrived from Wolves in 2020 for up to £45 million, has been a consistent goal scorer despite injury setbacks.

So far, Núñez has netted 39 goals in 127 appearances for Liverpool, while Díaz has scored 36 goals in 130 matches. Jota has been the most prolific of the trio, finding the back of the net 64 times in 165 games.

Meanwhile, Chelsea is reportedly eyeing a Liverpool player for a potential summer move. With Enzo Maresca looking to strengthen his squad, reports suggest that Chelsea is closely monitoring Irish goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher, who has been a standout performer for Liverpool this season.

Kelleher has played a vital role in Liverpool’s journey to the Carabao Cup final, producing key performances in both legs of the semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur. His consistency between the posts has caught the attention of top clubs, with Chelsea among those considering a move for him.

Liverpool had previously secured the signing of Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is set to return from his loan spell at Sevilla this summer. This could pave the way for Kelleher’s exit, as he has already expressed his desire to play regularly as a first-choice keeper.

In a press conference last September while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland, Kelleher stated: “I made it clear in the last few years that I want to go somewhere and be a number one.” His words indicate that a move away from Anfield is likely, with Chelsea in need of a reliable starting goalkeeper after struggling with Robert Sánchez and Filip Jørgensen this season.

Amid these transfer discussions, Arne Slot faced criticism from Liverpool fans after his team’s recent draw against Nottingham Forest. Supporters were left frustrated by his decision to start Luis Díaz as a central striker, leaving Diogo Jota on the bench.

Liverpool had to fight back from an early goal by Chris Wood, eventually securing a 1-1 draw thanks to Jota’s equalizer. The Portuguese forward, introduced as a substitute, found the net just 25 seconds after coming on, sparking debates over Slot’s tactical choices.

Díaz, deployed as a central striker, struggled to make an impact and managed only one shot in 75 minutes before being replaced. Fans voiced their disappointment on social media, with many questioning why Slot opted to use Díaz in a role that didn’t suit him.

One fan wrote: “Desperate for a striker. As much as I like Díaz up front, we really need a focal point. A proper striker.” Another added: “Luis Díaz is not a striker, stop playing him there.”

As Liverpool prepares for a critical summer transfer window, Slot will need to make tough decisions regarding the squad’s future. With key attackers potentially leaving and fresh reinforcements needed, the club is entering a period of transition under the Dutchman.

The coming months will be crucial for Liverpool as they balance their title challenge with planning for the future. With major departures looming and potential replacements being considered, Slot’s first summer window could define his tenure at Anfield.