Notwithstanding the current positive trend which has seen the Reds win four PL games on the trot without conceding a goal, culminating in what many saw as a shock victory at Stamford Bridge, Kenny Dalglish has stated that the next summer transfer window may be the period for him (taking for granted he will be given the job permanently) to ring the changes and freshen up the squad with renewed talent and quality. Is it too early to run the rumour mill, but there is no doubt that Comolli and Co are already working on a master plan, backed by the low-profile approach of NESV which so far has been pleasantly positive.
No harm in making some considerations of what might be though is there? So let’s have a go at seeing who might not be wearing the Liverpool shirt next season. The Reds have currently nine first team squad players out on low, some being full internationals for their respective countries, others loaned out to acquire experience.
The most high profile player on loan is Aquilani (there apparently is a pre-established transfer deal on him which Juventus are already trying to chop some millions off), followed by Konchesky, Degen, Insua and El Zhar. These five will probably not feature in KK’s plans so they will move on, generating some extra spending money for what is said to be a substantial transfer kitty for the summer. Others like Darby, Eccleston, Amoo and Mavinga are out to gain experience as was then case with Ayala who has returned to Melwood following injury whilst out on loan.
On a personal level, I have, for now, put question marks on five other first squad players that may be leaving Anfield come next summer. These are Kyrgiakos, Poulsen, Jovanovic, Aurelio and Joe Cole. Now before we all get agitated with ‘what’s this nonsense’ kind of comments, allow me to put my reasoning into words.
Kyrgiakos, as far as I am aware, is out of contract next summer, if this is not the case; the majestic return of Agger into the squad has sent the hearty Greek down the pecking order. He is not a teenager anymore and will want first team football; moreover, the Reds have both Danny Wilson and Ayala waiting in the wings which is really not a shabby prospect.
The same applies to Christian Poulsen. The Dane has not hit the ground running both as far as his game is concerned as well as his likeability with the Anfield crowd. I personally am not surprised as he came from a terrible season with Juventus and was brought in as a direct yet failed replacement for Mascherano. Rumours claim he is destined to return to Danish football.
Jovanovic’s case is very similar to Ryan Babel’s. The quick Serbian has probably not been given enough game time to express himself and in all fairness, it’s not that the Reds were playing awe inspiring football, but I doubt the new Reds regime will be as patient as they were with the Dutch attacker. He came in on a free and will go for a sum.
Aurelio…hmmm…if he wants to stay I’d keep him. I feel he is happy with his current role at the Club and might, just might, hang on for another season, that’s unless someone comes in for him.
Finally Joe Cole! What to say? The lad came in on a free so it’s not like the Reds are facing another financial own goal here! No one, and I mean no one, has any doubt about the lad’s ability to play football, the fact remains that he came to Anfield primarily for first team football and with Kuyt and Maxi probably to make way for Suarez and Carroll in most games, he could find himself well down the pecking order and decide to move on. If that happens, as crude as it might sound, the Reds will have the right to cash in!
That’s it for now! With a possible 9/10 players on the way out next summer the question that beckons is: who will replace them? Now that is another story…………