After bolstering their Premier League title-winning squad with a number of talented players, including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, many pundits and fans alike immediately touted Liverpool for a second consecutive league trophy. But it's been anything but plain sailing for the Reds.
Arne Slot's side find themselves in a real rut, looking out of sorts as teams around them find form. Having lost to Crystal Palace twice, Chelsea, Galatasaray, Manchester United and Brentford, it seemed as though they had turned a corner following victories against Aston Villa and Real Madrid. However, following a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, they are seemingly back to square one.
Questions have been asked not only of the manager, but of the squad. Multiple players have been guilty of poor performances, even those who have proven to be elite in the past. And while some, like Alexis Mac Allister, could very well turn their dire performances around, there are others who Slot needs to consider replacing altogether after their most recent thrashing. Taking into account performances, contracts, playing time and age, here are four players who Liverpool need to get rid of.
Ibrahima Konate
Ibrahima Konate
When Ibrahima Konate moved to Liverpool back in 2021 from RB Leipzig, supporters thought they had found the perfect partner for Virgil van Dijk. And it certainly seemed that way for a number of years, as the French international consistently locked down attackers with dominating performances that endeared him to the Anfield faithful.
But while he was a key part of their title success in 2024/25, Konate has really struggled since football resumed back in August. The 26-year-old has had frequent lapses in defensive judgement, which have cost his side goals and points. His worst of the lot arguably came against City on Sunday afternoon, with supporters calling him a "liability" who needed to be sold in January, and we're inclined to agree based on what we've seen so far.
Perhaps it was the links to Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi in the summer, perhaps it was the interest from Real Madrid — but the centre-back's focus seems to be elsewhere presently, which is no good to Liverpool right now. With his contract set to expire in a matter of months, the club's hierarchy should really be seeing if they can get a fee for him when the transfer window reopens. It's certainly hard to argue why he deserves an extension right now.
Wataru Endo
Wataru Endo playing for Liverpool against Southampton.
Carabao Cup - Third Round - Liverpool v Southampton - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - September 23, 2025 Liverpool's Wataru Endo in action REUTERS/Phil Noble
This is less a slight on Wataru Endo, but more an indictment of Liverpool's squad right now. Slot's midfield has looked out of sorts of late, particularly Mac Allister, who doesn't look to be the same dynamic, controlling presence he was last season. But it's hard to justify selling the Argentine considering he's proven he can be one of the best in the world in his position.
The problem Slot has is that he needs someone who is just as effective as Mac Allister to replace him when he's out of sorts. And it doesn't seem as though he completely trusts Endo with that responsibility. Left on the bench against City, the 32-year-old has made just four league appearances this term, which amount to a measly 39 minutes. Time is also not on his side, so it's time to bring someone who is younger and better in to help bolster Liverpool's engine room. Reports have linked them with Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga, both of whom would be significant upgrades.
Federico Chiesa
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during their match against Crystal Palace.
Carabao Cup - Fourth Round - Liverpool v Crystal Palace - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - October 29, 2025 Liverpool's Federico Chiesa looks dejected REUTERS/Phil Noble
Like Endo, Federico Chiesa's inclusion here is not down to a lack of quality. The Italian had a difficult first season where he spent significant time out injured, and had that continued, there would be no arguments over his inclusion here. But since then, he's gone on to show glimpses of what he can bring off the flanks.
Unfortunately for Chiesa, glimpses are all he's really been afforded, despite Liverpool's attack lacking threat in many games. He's earned just 125 minutes of Premier League action over eight matches, in which time he's scored twice and provided one assist. He would have been a great option to come off the bench against City, but Slot waited until the 83rd minute to substitute him on for the disappointing Wirtz.
Check out the five Liverpool players with the fewest Premier League minutes this season:
Liverpool Players With Fewest Premier League Minutes in 2025/26*
Player
Rio Ngumoha
Wataru Endo
Joe Gomez
Jeremie Frimpong
Federico Chiesa
*Must have played in one game this season
Should the 28-year-old be playing more? Yes. But if Slot's not going to pick him, then it makes sense for both parties to cut ties so that he can earn more regular minutes moving forward.
Mohamed Salah
mohamed salah liverpool
It might be tough for Liverpool fans to admit, but maybe they were wrong to hand Mohamed Salah a contract extension. That's not to say that the Egyptian King had not earned one — after all, he scored 29 goals and registered 18 assists, marking his best return yet. But he's been well below par so far this term.
Although he's scored four times this season, performances have been poor, with Salah missing that cutting edge that so many associate with the four-time Premier League Golden Boot winner. Against City, he looked toothless, and matters weren't helped by an unwillingness to help out in defence, something that Wayne Rooney called out.
Now 33, there are questions about whether there is a dip in form or whether these are signs that one of the Premier League's greatest ever players is starting to decline. He could very well prove the doubters wrong, but with consistently poor displays, Liverpool should seriously consider any interest in their winger should it materialise.
All statistics courtesy of FBref and Transfermarkt unless stated otherwise - Correct as of 10/11/25