Liverpool to offload up to ten players in major squad overhaul
Liverpool are set to axe up to ten players in a major squad overhaul this summer, with Georginio Wijnaldum, Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri the biggest names.
Jurgen Klopp is set to strip his squad down to its core and rebuild this summer in a bid to reclaim the Premier League title from Manchester City.
On Friday, Liverpool confirmed they had triggered the French defender’s release clause at RB Leipzig and agreed personal terms, before officially announcing the transfer.
But Klopp will sell a host of established stars to fund his off-season moves.
Wijnaldum bid an emotional farewell to Anfield in Liverpool’s final-day win over Crystal Palace.
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The Dutch icon has not seen his contract renewed and is expected to join Barcelona on a free transfer, linking up with City legend Sergio Aguero.
Divock Origi has also been placed on the transfer market with his progression at Anfield plateauing.
The Belgian has scored some iconic goals for the Reds, including FIVE goals against Merseyside rivals Everton – including a 90th-minute winner.
Origi also scored twice in the famous 4-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals in 2019 before netting in the final win over Tottenham.
But he joins Xherdan Shaqiri as another big-name player to be placed on the transfer market this summer.
Elsewhere, Mark Grujic and Harry Wilson – on loan at Porto and Cardiff respectively – are set to be moved on permanently in the coming months.
Takumi Minamino is expected to be sold this summer after he spent the second half of the 2020-21 season on loan at Southampton after failing to inspire at Anfield.
Loris Karius is likely to be finally moved on, along with Taiwo Awoniyi after the latter finally qualified for a work permit.
The £8m-rated Nigerian forward is a target for Championship trio Fulham, Stoke and West Brom.
Forwards Sheyi Ojo, Ben Woodburn and Liam Millar are also set to be moved on this summer – either on loan or permanently.