A number of Liverpool’s first team stars have been shown the exit door already this summer, but further departures are expected at Anfield over the next few weeks.
Thus far, the most notable Liverpool exits have come in the form of Sadio Mané’s move to Bayern, Takumi Minamino’s to Monaco, and Neco Williams’ to Nottingham Forest.
Through such sales, Liverpool have brought in roughly £60 million in capital. Raising £17 million through Neco Williams’ sale has been viewed as a significant coup.
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However, Williams might not be the final academy graduate to leave Liverpool this summer.
According to Neil Jones of Goal, centre-backs Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams are expected to leave Anfield in this transfer window.
Phillips has been linked with a return to Bournemouth, but their interest has cooled in recent weeks. He is rated at £15 million by Liverpool.
Rhys Williams on the other hand won’t be leaving the Reds on a permanent basis.
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Blackpool are currently favourites to sign the 21-year-old on loan after a 16th placed finish in the Championship last term.
Amid an injury crisis at centre-half during the 2020/21 season at Liverpool, Williams featured in 9 games for the Liverpool first team, establishing himself as an exciting talent.
Since then though, opportunities have been few and far between, and like most young centre-backs he needs a loan spell to bulk up and mature.
Jürgen Klopp can let go of Phillips and Williams safe in the knowledge that he already has a number of quality centre-back options at his disposal.
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Alongside the ever-present Virgil Van Dijk, Klopp can pick from Ibrahima Konaté, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez. The latter of whom has recently signed a new contract.
There is clearly room for flexibility at the back at Liverpool, lending to the idea of further first team departures.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Liverpool, Neco Williams, Sadio Mane, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours