Liverpool are currently sitting head and shoulders above everyone else at the top of the Premier League standings. However, the recent coronavirus outbreak has put their season on hold for the time being. It has not been all smooth-sailing for the Reds over the past few weeks as they have been knocked out of all the cup competitions due to a run of poor results after the mid-season break.
The Merseyside club’s poor showings have highlighted the need for Jurgen Klopp to freshen things up ahead of the new campaign. The majority of the Liverpool fringe players have been underwhelming with their performances in recent weeks, so the German head coach should consider letting go of some of the deadwood if he wants to build a strong squad capable of challenging for multiple trophies in the coming years.
Here are four players Klopp should consider offloading when the transfer window reopens later this summer.
Dejan Lovren
The Croatia international found game time hard to come by in the early stages of this campaign. However, he managed to find some form when both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were out injured midway through the season. Despite showing signs of promise, the Liverpool fans would be aware of the fact that Lovren always has a mistake in him. It was once again proven to be true when he put in a dismal display in the 3-0 loss away at Watford last month which marks the Reds’ only loss of this league campaign. It’s high time that Klopp moved him on so that he can bring in a more reliable option at the back.
Nathaniel Clyne
The 28-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the Premier League leaders this season. He has been out of action for nearly seven months due to a cruciate ligament rupture. Maybe, cutting him loose could be a good move for both the player and the club. A fresh move away from Anfield will give Clyne a chance to reignite his form in English football. Liverpool can benefit from acquiring a quality right-back so that they can add some much-needed competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold. Another option would be to promote Neco Williams to take up Clyne’s place in Klopp’s senior squad at Anfield.
Adam Lallana
The ex-Southampton playmaker’s current contract at Merseyside is set to expire at the end of this campaign. He has featured in 22 matches for the reigning European champions this term, scoring a memorable goal against Manchester United at Old Trafford along the way.
Even though Lallana has impressed a lot of people with his performances this season, the fact remains that he is too injury-prone to get a regular run of games under Klopp. Therefore, the Reds would be better off letting him leave when his deal ends later this summer so that the player can make a fresh start away from Anfield and earn regular first-team opportunities in the years to come.
Xherdan Shaqiri
The Swiss winger has hardly been available for selection due to a calf injury. He had also struggled to shake off a knock which saw him miss out on some key matches during the festive period against the likes of Sheffield United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League, and Everton in the FA Cup.
Shaqiri has only managed to secure 256 minutes of playing time for the Merseyside giants this season which doesn’t bode well for his long-term future at Anfield. Klopp should undeniably ship the former Basel winger out of Liverpool before his market value drops even further because of his poor injury record.
