Liverpool could lose TEN players for nothing as they fail to learn their transfer lesson. Despite Liverpool's knack for recouping solid funds on fringe talent, their broader strategy around expiring contracts has cost them dearly. The Reds have had numerous successes in regards to player sales in the past, having previously sold the likes of Rhian Brewster for £23.5million and Sepp van den Berg for £25m.
While they successfully use £10m out of Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold by taking advantage of Madrid's eagerness to register him before the Club World Cup, their high-profile exits tell a much harsher story. Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah - who mutually agreed to rip up the last year of his deal - all departed the club for nothing this summer.
Why it matters for Liverpool F.C.
The trio's exits could have resulted in a windfall if the Reds had learned from the free transfer departures of Roberto Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Emre Can in the past. The pattern may well be repeating itself with 10 first-team players currently poised to walk away for nothing next summer, unless contract renewals are agreed.
Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas, Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay and Harvey Davies could all be experiencing their final campaign at Anfield. Reds captain Van Dijk will turn 36 years old a week after his deal runs out next June, yet remains an enormously influential presence at the club. He's a prime target for MLS outfit Chicago Fire, who recently completed the capture of Robert Lewandowski.
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 5th in Premier League, 60 pts, 17W-9D-12L from 38 games, recent form DLDLW. Goals this season: 63 scored, 53 conceded (+10 goal difference). Title race: 25 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Curtis Jones' future has been a persistent topic of discussion this summer as Inter Milan have repeatedly chased a move for the 25-year-old. Following a rejected £21m approach for the midfielder, the Serie A champions have approached the Reds regarding a £30m transaction. Fellow midfielder Harvey Elliott has returned to Anfield following a disastrous loan stint at Aston Villa last season. The 23-year-old has been afforded an opportunity to impress Andoni Iraola this summer, as the Reds' shortage of options in midfield and attack could provide him with the chance to cement his place in the squad once more.
Poised to begin his 12th campaign as a Liverpool player, Joe Gomez is the club's longest-serving member of the squad. The 28-year-old's persistent injury problems have meant he hasn't been dependable and is due to miss the opening of the season after sustaining a muscle injury in the Reds' first pre-season fixture against Sunderland. Next summer could be the moment when Gomez and the club go their separate ways, but a return to Anfield will be arranged for his testimonial. Kostas Tsimikas will resume his previous position of backup left-back this season, after a disappointing season-long loan at Roma.
