Liverpool have confirmed their 29-man travelling party for the pre-season tour of Asia — but four first-team names have been left out in a move that could confirm their futures lie elsewhere.
As reported via liverpoolfc.com, we’re heading to Japan and Hong Kong this week, with fixtures against Yokohama F. Marinos and AC Milan set to be shown live on All Red Video.
The announcement followed a behind-closed-doors 5-0 win over Stoke City, in which new signings Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez both featured.
But there’s no place in the squad for Federico Chiesa, Calvin Ramsay, Rhys Williams or Stefan Bajcetic.
Federico Chiesa looks set for a Liverpool exit
The Italian attacker featured only sporadically last season due to injury, playing just 466 minutes in total, and has been linked with a return to Serie A this summer, though did score in Sunday’s victory.
Ramsay and Williams both spent time on loan in 2024/25 and appear unlikely to feature under our head coach going forward.
Bajcetic is perhaps the biggest surprise, given his potential and previous involvement. However, fitness and form have been ongoing issues since his breakout 2022/23 campaign.
Leaving all four out of the travelling group strongly suggests our boss is prepared to move them on during the current window — and the club may already be working on finding buyers or arranging loans.
Transfer business is still ongoing for arrivals and departures
With our summer already seeing significant change — Liverpool have already signed Florian Wirtz for a record-breaking £116m and Arne Slot has completed the £40m arrival of Milos Kerkez — there’s a clear desire to reshape the squad ahead of another title charge.
If Chiesa does return to Italy, he could follow a growing list of departures that includes Trent Alexander-Arnold and Caoimhin Kelleher, while younger players like Ramsay may be sent out to rebuild value and minutes.
The 47-year-old coach is clearly not afraid to make ruthless calls — and this squad announcement could be a sign of more changes to come.
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Think I might be keeping Rhys Williams. The centre back situation is not good only VVD, Konate who’s playing time was carefully managed due to injury last year and very injury prone Gomez .
You cannot sell Bajctic or HARVEY and keep the weakest link at Liverpool it would be criminal, and that weakest link is Curtis JONES, offers nothing, 🙈
I totally agree Bajtetic and Elliot are much better players than Jones!
Omg!!!! You spoke my mind………he’s been a back up for ages…no improvement…..of he is better, liverpool wouldn’t have signed florian
It hurts that Arne doesn’t see the huge potential Chiesa has, but I guess it is for the best if he leaves Liverpool
If Konate does not sign a new contract, let him if Real Madrid pays £40-40M.
I concur Curtis Jones must be sold. Even Harvey Elliot. They make our midfield look pedestrian
Jones is still useful and Chiesa just needs playing time. He has the ability to score goals.
Bajcetic and Elliot are assets, keep them and use them for FA and Carabao Cups and some league game. You can’t always depend on the big boys.
Mr. Slot, you are doing well in the market but don’t allow Diaz to go now.
Yep, must keep Diaz