Liverpool transfer state of play with EIGHT stars 'allowed to leave' this summer

Liverpool are ready to rip up their struggling squad with Anfield bosses prepared to sanction a massive summer overhaul.

The Reds started the season as defending Premier League champions and heavy favourites to retain their crown. That came after a summer which saw them spend more than £400million, including breaking their own transfer record on two occasions.

But the arrivals of Florian Wirtz for £116m and of Alexander Isak at £125m, have failed to have the desired effect with their defence quickly crumbling.

Liverpool are now 21 points behind leaders Arsenal and face a battle to just qualify for next season’s Champions League . That has led to speculation over Slot’s future, although the signs are pointing towards the Dutchman retaining his position to oversee a rebuild.

However, the squad is set for a huge transformation with the Sun reporting a number of their title winners from 12 months ago will be available to move on. Mirror Football looks at each and how likely their departures could be.

Mohamed Salah is the key name on the list of summer departures. He has looked increasingly disillusioned at Anfield this season, having only signed a new two-year deal in the summer.

His public rant at Arne Slot in December appeared to be the point of no return and despite being re-integrated into the squad, his long-term future was always a huge question mark.

That question mark was erased when he confirmed his nine-year Anfield stint will close at the end of the season and looks likely to move to Saudi Arabia.

Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson are both out of contract this summer and despite several offers to the former, there is now a growing likelihood the two will leave on free transfers.

It is understood that Liverpool want to keep Konate, but have thus far failed to reach an agreement and it now looks as if he will at least assess his option. Meanwhile, Robertson was close to leaving for Tottenham in January and should depart after this summer’s World Cup.

Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa are three more that Liverpool could be open to offers for this summer.

Jones, who graduated from the Liverpool academy will have just 12 months remaining on his contract and there could be a push to get a fee while they still can. He has failed to ever become a proper regular under Slot and could feel a move away from his boyhood club would see him reach a new level.

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Like Jones, Gomez is also out of contract in 2027. He has proven a reliable squad player, but injuries have stopped him ever truly fulfilling his potential. The summer arrival of youngster Jeremy Jacquet and a potential return for Jarell Quansah could mean Gomez is surplus to requirements.

Chiesa is another that looks increasingly likely to be moved on. He has failed to ever break into the starting XI under Slot and would have plenty of suitors back in Italy, should he decide to end his stay in English football.

It wouldn't be a surprise, at all, if all three of these are playing in different shirts next season.

The final two that Liverpool are said to be open to offers for are Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.

Gakpo has been a near ever present under Slot, but has struggled for form after playing a key role in their successes last term. He has struggled to reach the heights this season, but it feels unlikely the Liverpool boss would dispense of such a key player in their forward line, considering Salah is also on his way out.

He also only signed a new deal in August of last year, meaning Liverpool would likely want a considerable fee for his services. Whether that is attainable is also a debate.

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Mac Allister, meanwhile, was brilliant during their title-winning campaign, but like so many of his team-mates, has seen his performances nosedive. Real Madrid have been heavily linked with the Argentine international, with his father forced to come out and dismiss the speculation as just that.

This summer already promises to be one of great transition, allowing Mac Allister to leave would only add to it. This feels like one that the player would have to force himself, could that happen? It's certainly possible, but it's a headache Liverpool would probably rather avoid.

Liverpool owners FSG are keen to see a quick turnaround in fortunes next season. Behind the scenes, there is an acceptance that off-the-field issues have hampered Slot this season, including a raft of injuries, new signings adapting and of course, the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

Regardless, the departures just of Salah and Robertson would mark a huge change at Anfield, with the duo playing a huge role in both of their title wins this decade.

Before all of that takes place though, Liverpool face a huge end to the season. That starts on Saturday with an FA Cup quarter final vs Manchester City , before attention turns to the Champions League, where they will face champions Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster last-eight clash.