With Jurgen Klopp set for his first summer transfer window at Anfield, there could be considerable changes to the Liverpool squad before the start of the new campaign in August.
The German has had over six months to assess which players in his ranks are good enough to remain at the club, and where he needs to improve.
With many rumours circulating, it can become hard to decipher which players are genuine targets, and which current Liverpool stars are departing. However, it is clear to see that the team needs improving, not only in first-team quality but also in depth.
Here are THREE players who we believe are set to leave Anfield this summer, and THREE players who could be arriving on Merseyside…
Islam Slimani – IN
Reports in the last few days have suggested that Sporting CP have rejected a £20 million Liverpool bid for striker Islam Slimani.
The Algerian netted 27 times in just 33 appearances in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season and is fast becoming one of the most sought after offensive talents in Europe.
With Arsenal also declaring an interest, Liverpool will need to act fast if they are to steal Slimani from under the noses of their rivals in London.
Christian Benteke – OUT
A disastrous season for Christian Benteke looks set to end in disappoint if reports are to be believed that the Belgian is no longer part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans at Anfield.
Benteke simply does not fit into the German manager’s style of play and will be a perennial bench warmer and ‘Plan B’ if he stays, something which the 25-year-old’s talents do not warrant.
Expect Liverpool to look to recoup most of the money spent on Benteke last season, with plenty of suitors around.
Jonas Hector – IN
With Alberto Moreno anything but consistent last season, Klopp will undoubtedly be looking for a new left-back and Jonas Hector would be the perfect fit.
After another incredible season in the Bundesliga with FC Koln, Hector is now the starting left back for Germany at EURO 2016 and showed just what he is capable of with a fantastic performance against Ukraine.
‘Mr. Reliable’, as he is affectionately known as in Germany, possesses all the attributes that Alberto Moreno is yet to show in the Premier League – a no-nonsense, dependable approach to the game.
Lazar Markovic – OUT
A huge investment was made in 2014, when Brendan Rodgers and the transfer committee made the decision to bring Lazar Markovic to Liverpool.
After an indifferent first season at Anfield, the young Serbian was shipped off to Fenerbahce on loan, which was a spell ultimately dogged by a succession of injuries.
Now back on Merseyside and with little gained from his time in Turkey, Markovic may be forced to look elsewhere to continue his career, if Klopp does not believe the Serb to be good enough.
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Piotr Zielinski – IN
According to reports, it may only be a matter of days until Piotr Zielinski is confirmed as a Liverpool player, and he possesses many attributes which suit Jurgen Klopp and his style of play.
Fast, creative and with plenty of stamina, the Polish youngster will be a welcome addition to an already impressive list of attacking midfielders on the books at Anfield.
Keep your eyes peeled, this one could be confirmed very soon.
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Mario Balotelli – OUT
One of the most bizarre Liverpool signings in recent times, Mario Balotelli looks to be on his way back to Merseyside next season after AC Milan expressed that they do not wish to keep the player.
However, the 25-year-old has told press in Italy that he does not want to go back, claiming he was “never happy there”.
It is these distasteful comments which almost guarantee the Italian’s departure from Anfield this summer, as Klopp will not deal with such nonsense.
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