Liverpool’s Farewell to Long-Serving Stars
Liverpool will say farewell to two of their longest-serving players, Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, in their final match of a disappointing season at Anfield on Sunday. However, the futures of a number of other experienced players remain uncertain as the end of an era approaches for the club.
Alisson Becker
The 33-year-old goalkeeper has a year left on his contract but has been beset by injuries in the last couple of seasons. He has been named in Brazil’s World Cup squad despite not playing for two months due to another hamstring issue. Links with a return to Italy with Juventus refuse to go away, and Liverpool may decide to cash in on a player whose availability has become more of an issue.
Joe Gomez
Another player who has struggled with injury. Gomez, who turns 29 on Saturday, has only a year left on his contract, and a number of niggling injuries have restricted him to 16 starts – only seven of which have been in the Premier League – in 32 appearances. He is the longest-serving current player, and his versatility across the back four remains an asset, but his injury record and desire for regular football may be decisive.
Curtis Jones
The academy graduate has struggled to find his best form and hold down a place in a crowded midfield. In recent matches, he has found himself filling in at right-back. The 25-year-old has been on the radar of Inter Milan for some time and could be another player to make way as the squad revamp continues.
Alexis Mac Allister
The Argentinian World Cup winner has been way off his best this season and has struggled with the pace of the Premier League more than usual. He has been a regular starter but, although he has seven goals this season, he has not found the net in three months. The 27-year-old would be another player at risk in the pursuit of a more dynamic midfield. With two years remaining on his contract, he would command a decent fee, but the club will have to decide whether this season is a blip or signs of a downward trend.
Ibrahima Konate
The centre-back has had arguably the poorest season of his Liverpool career, and speculation over his future – his contract expires in the summer – has not helped. Despite the defender last month claiming a new deal was close, it has yet to be finalised. With fellow Frenchman Jeremy Jacquet arriving in the summer and Giovanni Leoni set to return from a serious knee injury, he may be squeezed out.
Federico Chiesa
The first – and only – signing of Arne Slot’s maiden season has proved to be a gamble that did not pay off. The Italian, a cut-price £10 million signing, looked ill-suited to the Premier League, and with five goals in 50 appearances, has not provided the suitable back-up necessary. He has two years remaining on his contract, but it seems unlikely he will be around next season.
Wataru Endo
Has only ever played a supporting role, mainly as a substitute. While the 33-year-old is a committed competitor, he lacks the mobility or creativity to be a key figure in midfield. He also has a year left on his contract, but a parting of the ways seems inevitable.
