Football
28 Apr 2025
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7 Players Who Could Leave Liverpool After Premier League Title Triumph

Darwin Nunez could depart Anfield this summer / Nigel French/Allstar/GettyImages

Liverpool’s crowning as the 2024/25 Premier League champions was a moment fans will remember for decades. Under the sharp guidance of Arne Slot, the Reds have flourished, blending relentless energy with tactical finesse.

But while most of the squad will go down in history for their efforts this season, not every player has enjoyed the same ride. Some figures have barely contributed, either hampered by injuries, inconsistent form, or simply not fitting into Slot’s evolving vision.

As Liverpool prepare for another summer of rebuilding, there’s little room for sentiment. Here are seven players who could well be heading for the Anfield exit door.

Caoimhin Kelleher – Time for a New Chapter?

Caoimhin Kelleher has been linked with a Liverpool exit before / Marc Atkins/GettyImages
Caoimhin Kelleher has been linked with a Liverpool exit before / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Few expected Caoimhin Kelleher to rack up 20 appearances this season. With Alisson Becker battling injuries, the Irishman stepped up and, to his credit, performed admirably on most occasions — including a gutsy display in the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle.

But Kelleher, now 26, isn’t content being Liverpool’s eternal backup. After seasons of patience, it feels like the writing is on the wall.

Complicating matters is Giorgi Mamardashvili, the highly-rated Georgian keeper Liverpool signed and loaned back to Valencia last summer. He’s expected to link up with Slot’s squad soon, meaning Kelleher could be bumped even further down the pecking order.

A move where he can be a number one feels inevitable — and honestly, he’s earned that chance.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – Farewell to a Scouse Legend?

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid / Carl Recine/GettyImages
Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid / Carl Recine/GettyImages

It’s almost too painful for Liverpool fans to think about, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s Anfield story could be nearing its final chapter.

Courted relentlessly by Real Madrid, Trent seems more and more likely to walk away on a free transfer. His creativity, passing range, and sheer Scouse spirit have made him irreplaceable. Yet football moves fast, and Liverpool might be forced to adapt without their No. 66.

Conor Bradley has shown immense promise during Trent’s injury absences, but replacing a once-in-a-generation talent isn’t simple. Whether through internal promotion or a big-money signing, Liverpool’s right flank could look very different next season.

If Trent does leave, it’ll be one of the biggest emotional blows in Liverpool’s modern history.

Kostas Tsimikas – Reliable but Replaceable

Liverpool are in the market for a new left-back / Carl Recine/GettyImages
Liverpool are in the market for a new left-back / Carl Recine/GettyImages

Kostas Tsimikas has been a reliable squad player since his arrival in 2020, but this season has exposed his limits.

Andy Robertson’s decline should’ve opened the door for Tsimikas to step up, yet Slot has rarely trusted the Greek defender in key moments. Defensive lapses and inconsistent performances have raised serious questions.

At 28, Tsimikas still holds resale value, and Liverpool would be wise to cash in while they can. Expect a new left-back to be high on the club’s shopping list this summer, with Tsimikas likely making way for fresher legs and sharper defensive instincts.

Wataru Endo – A Cult Hero Facing the Exit

Arne Slot hasn't been enamoured with Wataru Endo / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
Arne Slot hasn’t been enamoured with Wataru Endo / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

Signed as a short-term midfield stopgap, Wataru Endo quickly became a fan favorite during Jurgen Klopp’s emotional farewell tour. His tireless running, no-nonsense tackles, and willingness to do the dirty work endeared him to the Kop.

But under Arne Slot, Endo’s role has drastically diminished. The Japan international has become a late-game enforcer, used mainly when Liverpool need to cling onto slender leads.

With Liverpool reportedly targeting a younger, more dynamic defensive midfielder this summer, Endo’s days seem numbered. At 32, and with limited resale value, it might be time for both parties to say a respectful goodbye.

Harvey Elliott – Talent Without Trust?

Harvey Elliott has been touted with a move elsewhere / James Gill - Danehouse/GettyImages
Harvey Elliott has been touted with a move elsewhere / James Gill – Danehouse/GettyImages

There’s no doubting Harvey Elliott’s natural ability. At times, his dribbling, vision, and creativity are nothing short of breathtaking. But for all his talent, Elliott has struggled to nail down a consistent role under Slot.

Despite an impressive pre-season, Elliott has rarely started key games, and his influence has been largely confined to cameo appearances. It begs the question: does Slot truly trust him to be the heartbeat of Liverpool’s midfield?

Elliott is only 22 and could develop elsewhere if given regular starts. But Liverpool must tread carefully — letting a homegrown gem slip away prematurely could come back to haunt them.

Federico Chiesa – Flashes of Brilliance, but Is It Enough?

Federico Chiesa has endured a tough first year with Liverpool / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages
Federico Chiesa has endured a tough first year with Liverpool / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

There was a buzz of excitement when Liverpool secured Federico Chiesa from Juventus. Here was a player with Champions League pedigree, blistering pace, and a knack for the spectacular.

Sadly, his first season on Merseyside has been a frustrating one. Injuries disrupted the first half of the campaign, and opportunities have been scarce since. While there have been flashes of his undeniable quality, Chiesa hasn’t been able to string together a consistent run of form.

At 27, time is still on his side. Liverpool might well keep faith for another season. But in a squad aiming to stay at the pinnacle of English football, every place matters. If Chiesa can’t shake his fitness issues, the club might be tempted to move on.

Darwin Nunez – Time to Call It a Day?

Darwin Nunez is running out of time / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages
Darwin Nunez is running out of time / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

It pains many Liverpool fans to admit it, but Darwin Nunez simply hasn’t lived up to the hype. Signed for big money from Benfica, the Uruguayan was supposed to be the chaotic, dynamic No.9 to lead Liverpool into a new era.

Instead, he’s been a whirlwind of inconsistency. For every brilliant, instinctive finish, there have been wild misses and frustrating decision-making. After two seasons, patience is wearing thin.

Liverpool need a centre-forward who can be ruthlessly efficient — someone who can deliver 25+ goals a season with minimal fuss. Right now, Nunez doesn’t look like that player.

There will still be clubs willing to gamble on his raw talent, meaning Liverpool could recoup a decent chunk of their investment. For the sake of both player and club, it might be time for a clean break.

Conclusion: Change on the Horizon for the Champions

Winning the Premier League is a monumental achievement, but for Liverpool, the work is just beginning. Arne Slot knows that maintaining dominance requires difficult decisions — and sentiment cannot cloud judgment.

Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kostas Tsimikas, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa, and Darwin Nunez all face uncertain futures. Some exits will sting more than others, but evolution is essential.

Liverpool’s transfer window promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent memory. The champions will aim not just to celebrate — but to build something even greater.

And for a few beloved faces, it might mean that their journey with Liverpool ends here, with the bittersweet taste of success lingering as they seek new horizons.

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