Liverpool could see a number of outgoings this summer and that could have an impact in several ways
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Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah of Liverpool
Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah of Liverpool(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz represents the latest and most expensive step in a midfield rebuild started by Jurgen Klopp and now continued by Arne Slot. But when Liverpool were first initially assessing their options two years ago, the landscape was significantly different.
Alexis Mac Allister had already been brought on board but otherwise the Reds were scouring the market to determine how best to refresh the engine room, with the UEFA European Under-21 Championships considered fertile ground for identifying the next generation.
A number of targets were tracked. But in the end it emerged the tournament's best midfielder, and the one who netted the winner in the final, was already on Liverpool's books.
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Curtis Jones has subsequently established himself in the senior England squad - playing in the most recent games against Andorra and Senegal earlier this month - with his versatility meaning he made approaching 50 appearances for the Reds during a season in which they claimed the Premier League title.
Wirtz's progress was such that, even aged just 20, he had already made the step up from the Germany U21 side ahead of that tournament in 2023 and was a regular in the full national team squad.
The latest U21 Euros started this week. But rather than being seen as an opportunity for Liverpool to snap up new talent, it could instead be construed as something of a shop window for a number of their young English players.
When England began their defence with a 3-1 win over Czechia in Slovenia on Thursday night, Harvey Elliott, who scored the opener, and Jarell Quansah both started while Tyler Morton emerged from the bench.
All three suffered frustrating campaigns at Liverpool. Elliott had to wait until after the championship was won to make his first Premier League start, Quansah was substituted at half-time of Slot's opening game and made the top-flight XI only three more times, while Morton's minutes were restricted to five cup outings.
There is likely to be strong interest in all three players. Elliott has already reportedly turned down an approach from Nottingham Forest while Bayer Leverkusen are interested in Quansah, despite the Reds planning on having the centre-back as part of their squad this season. Morton has long been on the radar of a number of clubs after two previous successful loan spells in the Championship.
But all three departing would prompt if not a problem, then certainly a matter of which Liverpool will surely be aware. And, in the long term, may well have to rectify.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold having already gone, it would leave Jones and Joe Gomez - another whose future continues to be called into question - as the only senior English players in the squad.
Of course, having no English players in the starting XI is nothing new. Slot picked such a team in the 2-2 derby draw at Everton in February, while in the 1986 FA Cup final the only Englishman - at least in terms of international representation - was on the bench in Steve McMahon. And in the early days of the club, all-Scottish teams were not uncommon.
For some context, Arsenal this season had five English players who could be considered first-team squad regulars. Manchester City had six, Chelsea seven and Newcastle 12.
The Reds have long been regarded a cosmopolitan club, reflecting the nature of Liverpool as a city. And there are many players from far-flung places who have bought completely into the Scouse mentality and become regarded as honorary members. Some never left the area.
However, after a Premier League era during which the local baton has been passed between Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Alexander-Arnold, Jones is in danger of not just being the remaining Scouser in Liverpool's team, but their only English player too.
It will eventually matter. Liverpool are mindful of the implications of relying too much on players not regarded as homegrown - although new signing Jeremie Frimpong, having spent his Academy years at Manchester City, is deemed one such player - and, like all clubs, have to plan accordingly.
And how the Reds manage that situation over the coming months could well shape the transfer window of this summer and beyond.