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Liverpool may have surprised many people with their impressive form in 2017-18. They reached the Champions League final and finished in the top four of the Premier League. However, there is still a lot of room for improvement. Every season passing by should be a season of progress at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp will not be satisfied with only fourth place every season. He wants to bring the glory days back to Anfield.
In order to move forward, Liverpool must upgrade the quality of their squad. A lack of depth, especially in attack, cost them dearly in the latter stages of the season. Some players might be replaced for better players. A lot of them have been mainstays in the Reds' starting line-ups in the past. However, replacements would be necessary in order to evolve.
A move away from Anfield would benefit most of these players, if not all. A definitive core of the team, along with some early summer signings would cause these players to head towards the Anfield exit door. I think it is safe to say that at least half of these players have no further part in the Klopp's ever-progressive project at Anfield.
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#1 Emre Can
At this very moment, Emre Can has seemingly agreed to a four-year deal with Italian champions Juventus. He is set to have a medical and the transfer is likely to be confirmed within a day. Can has reached the end of his contract with Liverpool and was unwilling to sign a new contract without a release clause.
The German midfielder joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen in 2014 and has been a solid player throughout his time at Merseyside. He scored the first goal under Jurgen Klopp's reign as Liverpool manager and played an important part in their journey to the 2016 Europa League final. He won the club's Younger Player of the Season award as well. His commitment and desire has been admirable over the past few years.
It is unfortunate to see a player as talented as Can leave on a free transfer. His eye for goal from a long distance is extremely impressive, as he scored a few belters for the Reds. His overhead kick in the 1-0 win against Watford, in 2016-17, was very important and will be remembered by fans as one of the greatest goals in recent Liverpool history.
#2 Simon Mignolet
This is an unfortunate one, as Simon Mignolet has been putting in the effort and competitiveness to become Liverpool's number one. He has had a few too many chances between the sticks for the Reds. He is still committed to the club, and it would be sad to see a nice and smart person like Mignolet leave. However, he might need to leave in order to play regular first-team football again.
The Belgian international joined Liverpool to solve their goalkeeping problems in 2013. After an excellent double save at the end of his debut match, it seemed like he was going to be their long-term 'keeper. He had a decent first season but struggled in the next two seasons. This prompted Jurgen Klopp to sign Loris Karius from Mainz and make him number one. As Karius was struggling for form, Mignolet received another opportunity to prove himself.
He did well and helped Liverpool to reach the 2017-18 Champions League. However, that good form waned out as he was once again replaced between the sticks by Karius. The German 'keeper has done pretty well since the switch, except for the Champions League final. Mignolet hasn't played a game for Liverpool since the 3-2 FA Cup defeat to West Brom. It is extremely unlikely that he will stay at Anfield, especially since Klopp will probably search for a new number one.
#3 Alberto Moreno
Alberto Moreno has had a similar story to Mignolet. The Spaniard was signed to solve a defensive problem and looked like the perfect solution. However, a difficult couple of seasons caused him to be out of favour. He received another chance to prove himself and started off well. He would end up being replaced by a better option.
The 2016 Europa League final looked to be Moreno's last game in a Liverpool shirt, but it wasn't. After a year on the sideline, seeing a midfielder take his left-back spot, he worked hard enough to earn a second chance. 2017-18 started with Moreno at left-back, as he did a pretty good job. He then endured another nightmare game against Sevilla, which prompted Klopp to replace him.
An injury against Spartak Moscow proved to be the end of his tenure as first-choice left-back for Liverpool. Andy Robertson filled that void and has been terrific ever since. He looks to be Liverpool's left-back for many years to come. Moreno, on the other hand, would seek a move away from Liverpool if he wants to play regular football. He, like Mignolet, got a few too many chances and it's time to move on.
#4 Nathaniel Clyne
When Liverpool signed Nathaniel Clyne from Southampton, he looked like the real deal and a mainstay in the Reds defence for many years to come. He was arguably Liverpool's most consistent player in his first season at the club. Defensively sound and not too bad in attack is exactly how a full-back should be.
Clyne remained consistent but frustrating at times, due to his lack of ability in attack. He still kept his spot in Liverpool's starting line-up. However, a back injury at the start of the 2017-18 season caused him to miss a large chunk of the season. He only played a couple of matches towards the end of the season.
Clyne has been leapfrogged by Joe Gomez, who is naturally a centre-back, and talented youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold. He might not be able to return to the first choice eleven for Liverpool. The recent arrival of defensive midfielder Fabinho, who can also play at right-back would give Clyne another reason to leave Liverpool. Versatility is good for depth.
#5 Adam Lallana
With the arrivals of Fabinho and Naby Keita, and the expected signing of Nabil Fekir, Liverpool's midfield is now extremely strong in both quality and depth. The Reds have a host of midfielders who can feasibly start for them. One of the many options at Jurgen Klopp's disposal may be on his way out.
Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum all played a huge part in taking Liverpool to the Champions League final. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has enjoyed an excellent first season at Liverpool, he already looks like a better player under Klopp than he ever was at Arsenal. That leaves Adam Lallana. Admittedly, he is one of Klopp's favourite players. But with the barrage of options at his disposal, he might be willing to let Lallana go.
The English midfielder signed from Southampton in 2014 but did not settle in immediately. It took a few years for Lallana to reach his full potential at Liverpool. After a great 2016-17 season, he suffered a hamstring injury before the start of the 2017-18 season. He, like Clyne, did not play enough games for Liverpool throughout the season. He also struggled in the Champions League final after coming on for Mo Salah and did not make England's 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup.
He is the least likely on this list to leave Liverpool and probably won't, but it may be better for him and his career to do so.
#6 Daniel Sturridge
When Liverpool signed Daniel Sturridge for £12 million in 2013, it looked to be an absolute steal. It turned out that way at first, as Sturridge scored more than 20 goals in the 2013-14 season. Luis Suarez left Liverpool that summer and Sturridge assumed the responsibilities of being Liverpool's main striker. However, a series of injuries completely derailed his progress throughout the season.
He constantly faced injury problems over the next few years but was always capable of that one magic moment in a game. He enjoyed a decent second half to the 2015-16 season under Jurgen Klopp, where he got some important goals for the Reds. He played a big part in Liverpool reaching the Europa League final that season. His goal in the final against Sevilla was also well-taken.
As Klopp settled in at Anfield, Roberto Firmino became his first choice striker. Sturridge was left struggling for game time and competing with the likes of Divock Origi, Dominick Solanke and Danny Ings for a place on the Liverpool bench. His days as a top striker are likely behind him, as all of his injuries have taken a massive toll on him. Hopefully, he finds a Premier League club in the summer, where he can play regularly and make an impact.
