Liverpool is set to embark on a significant summer spending spree with Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez topping its transfer shortlist, potentially leading to the most expensive acquisition in Premier League history.
The Reds have been quoted a staggering £118 million ($159 million) by Bayer Leverkusen for the services of German maestro Wirtz, while Bournemouth's left-back Kerkez could cost them another £45 million ($60 million). This would skyrocket Liverpool's outlay to nearly £200 million ($270 million) for three players, including Jeremie Frimpong.
Arne Slot will likely need to offload several squad members to comply with the Premier League's financial regulations. Following the team's league triumph, it's logical for Slot to consider downsizing his squad to inject some new energy.
Several Liverpool players are facing uncertain futures at Anfield and might find themselves heading for the exit. Here are five players who might be departing from Liverpool as the champion gears up for a summer splurge.
Harvey Elliott
Midfielder Harvey Elliott has emerged as a potential departure after expressing his desire for regular playtime and his reluctance to "waste years of his career" warming the bench.
Despite Liverpool's dominant run last season, Elliott only made 18 Premier League appearances, 16 of which were from the bench. Elliott has voiced concerns about his game time at Liverpool, hinting at a potential move away from Anfield for the sake of his career. The potential arrival of Wirtz could further curtail his opportunities.
Harvey Elliott warms up ahead of Liverpool's game against Brighton
Harvey Elliott has admitted he may need to leave Liverpool this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Elliott said: "It's just a situation that me and the team have to have a conversation about because I'm coming into an age now where I'm 22, I'm going to be 23 next season," said Elliott when asked if he is considering leaving Liverpool.
"I don't really want to be wasting years on my career because it's a short career. You don't know what's going to happen. I need to reflect. I need to see if I'm content in doing what I'm doing and how can I improve as a player because that's the most important thing.
"I just want to improve and be the best possible version of myself. If that's to go somewhere else, then it's a decision that I'm going to have to make and I just need to see what happens. Nothing makes me want to leave. I love the club, I love the fans, the team. I support them as well. But most importantly, it's just about what's best for my career."
Federico Chiesa
In contrast, Italian forward Federico Chiesa has been unlucky. He has hardly featured for the team due to a spate of injuries since his transition from Juventus, having started only four matches across all competitions and scoring twice.
Chiesa appears to be far from the first choice at Anfield, and there are ongoing concerns about his fitness after a series of setbacks. The Daily Mail has reported that he is contemplating a return to Italy.
Federico Chiesa faces a big decision over his future at Liverpool this summer
Federico Chiesa faces a big decision over his future at Liverpool this summer (Image: Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
The player himself confessed that he would discuss his future with his agent and family, but stated that he "wouldn't mind" remaining at Liverpool despite his "frustration" with his current situation.
He told Corrirere dello Sport: "The year is over. But it's an experience I would do again. Soon I will sit down at the table with the club, Fali (Ramadani, his agent) and my family to find the best solution. I wouldn't mind staying in Liverpool at all.
"In the autumn Liverpool were going three times as fast as the others, an incredible intensity. At the beginning I felt the frustration... The desire to play was there, I put it aside, I understood the situation."
Darwin Nunez
Since his move to Liverpool in 2022, Nunez has been somewhat of a nearly man, consistently contributing goals but never becoming the main striker at Liverpool.
There was a great deal of optimism for the Uruguayan when he joined from Benfica, having scored 34 goals in 41 appearances during the 2021-22 season.
The forward has shown he can score crucial goals and clearly possesses talent, but he has yet to live up to his hefty price tag and remains a squad player under Slot.
This season, he only made eight starts in the Premier League, but he shone in the cup competitions, contributing seven goals across the season, a drop from 18 in the 2023-24 campaign. Nunez is now rumored to be on the move, with clubs in the Saudi Pro League thought to be considering a bid.
Kostas Tsimikas
With Kerkez's arrival, it wouldn't logically make sense for Liverpool to maintain three left-backs, so it's likely one of the other two will depart the club.
While Andy Robertson seems to have fallen out of favour under Slot this past season, he remains the more experienced option, having been with Liverpool for eight seasons.
Kostas Tsimikas is a popular figure at Anfield but has failed to displace Andy Robertson in the starting XI
Kostas Tsimikas is a popular figure at Anfield but has failed to displace Andy Robertson in the starting XI (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Tsimikas could be the more frustrated player if, after finally beginning to challenge Robertson for the left-back position, Kerkez comes in and immediately replaces him, thus, he might be looking to leave soon.
Various reports suggest that Liverpool chiefs don't see Tsimikas as their long-term main left-back and that he could be one of the players sold to create more financial flexibility.
He has played 114 games for Liverpool and made 28 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, but when the Reds look for players to offload, Tsimikas should be high on the list.
Joe Gomez
Gomez was on the brink of a move to Newcastle last season before the deal fell through, and he had hoped for a fresh start under Slot, who took over from Jurgen Klopp.
However, his season was marred by hamstring injuries, causing him to sit out 28 matches in total. He hasn't been seen on the pitch since February, having only made 17 appearances across all competitions.
Now, it seems Slot might be willing to let the injury-prone defender go if a suitable offer is tabled this summer.
As per the Liverpool Echo, Gomez is at a "transfer crossroads", and it wouldn't come as a shock if he departs Anfield after a decade.