With Liverpool’s season virtually done and the identity of the new manager now known, thoughts are turning to the summer transfer window.
It could be a busy one for the Reds, who have a number of areas they could do with improving upon. The exit door in particular could get a fair bit of use.
One man who won’t be leaving though is Mohamed Salah. After news broke on Monday, the Egyptian is set to stay at the club next season. We’re now waiting on confirmation that Virgil van Dijk will do the same.
The captain is said to be waiting to decide his future with just one year left on his deal. Liverpool fans will now be hoping that Van Dijk will follow Salah’s lead and stay.
Beyond that though, you’d have to imagine that a number of players’ time’s at Anfield may be up. Michael Edwards doesn’t tend to mess about with these things. And speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, journalist Graeme Bailey has named a player who could be on his way out.
Graeme Bailey makes Wataru Endo prediction
If you ask Liverpool fans what their first-team squad needs this summer, the answers will be pretty unanimous.
First and foremost, it’s clear that the Reds need a new centre-back. According to reports on Monday, Arne Slot and the recruitment team will push to get one in before the start of the season.
Another position that probably needs improving upon is defensive midfield. Wataru Endo has done a fine job since his surprise £16m arrival last summer, but his limitations have become all too evident recently.
As a result, it feels possible that Liverpool will attempt to sign an elite replacement for Endo. And according to Bailey, it wouldn’t be surprise to see the Japan captain exit after just a year with the Reds.
“Obviously Thiago is going, we know that,” said the journalist when asked about potential outgoings. “I think if Endo moves back to Germany at some point it wouldn’t be a major shock.
“He’s come in, done a job, I think he’s done a fine job but you can see him going back to the Bundesliga for sure. He’s not on huge money and they didn’t pay an awful lot for him.”
Who else could be on the way out
Another player to have been linked with an exit after just one year at Liverpool is Ryan Gravenberch. The 21-year-old has been suggested as a potential target for Turkish clubs.
However, it has since been claimed that Gravenberch is happy at Anfield and Bailey also asserts that there’s nothing currently active with the Dutchman.
“In terms of Gravenberch, it’s not one I’ve heard but there will be some players in this squad who the new coach coming in doesn’t fancy, that’s just footballing life,” he says.
“There’ll be some players who aren’t in the team that we don’t foresee. He [Arne Slot] won’t demand people are sold but it will soon become apparent who he likes and who he doesn’t.”
As ever with Edwards, it’s probably best to expect the unexpected.