Liverpool could lose 14 players this summer as…

Liverpool could lose 14 players this summer as transfer strategy takes shape

There are still four Premier League games to play and the transfer window doesn't officially open for another 56 days.

But there's little doubt matters are now ramping up ahead of what could prove a pivotal summer for Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp and the recruitment team.

Much has centred on potential incomings, with the concentration on the imminent midfield rebuild that has become obviously necessary during a difficult campaign. Some players may be ruled out of the running at present, but there are plenty of others in the frame.

And the Anfield exit is likely to be just as well used as the entrance, with the make-up of the squad almost certain to be significantly different come next season given the raft of imminent departures.

Who is definitely leaving?

At present, there are three guaranteed departures from Anfield. Roberto Firmino has already confirmed he will be leaving at the end of the season when his current contract expires after eight years at the club, while James Milner is set to join Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer. Arthur Melo will return to Juventus after a loan spell that can charitably be described as one that could have gone better.

Who is probably leaving?

That said, Firmino isn't the only Liverpool player poised to become a free agent in the summer. But while the others haven't officially confirmed their intentions, at this late stage it seems increasingly unlikely they will continue with the Reds.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, signed two years later, is expected to leave, while there has been growing speculation Naby Keita could return to Germany. It's perhaps no coincidence none of the duo have started a Premier League game in midfield since February.

Who might be leaving?

This is the more tricky question, much of which will depend on what Liverpool can achieve in terms of attracting new players and the funds available to address certain parts of the team.

As such, the Reds will keep an open mind, with nothing yet set in stone. That applies to Fabio Carvalho, who has been linked with a move away in the summer having featured for just five Premier League minutes since appearing in 10 of the first 11 top-flight games. A loan departure is not out of the question.

Caoimhin Kelleher would attract plentiful attention should he be permitted to leave having played just three times since his League Cup final heroics 14 months ago. But with Adrian seemingly on his way out, Liverpool won't want to leave themselves short of goalkeeping options behind Alisson Becker.

There could be a number of defensive departures. Nat Phillips has been on the brink of leaving Liverpool ever since he broke into the first team, but it would be a major surprise if he didn't go this time around. Joel Matip has started just two games since February and, heading towards the last year of his contract, this summer would represent Liverpool's last chance to gain a fee for a player who will be 32 in August. Rhys Williams could again have interest from lower league clubs while Kostas Tsimikas has been linked with potential suitors in recent weeks.

Otherwise, Liverpool could be invited to cash in on some youngsters that have impressed on loan this season. Leighton Clarkson has performed well at Aberdeen, fellow midfielder Tyler Morton likewise with Blackburn Rovers, while Conor Bradley won the Papa Johns Trophy with Bolton Wanderers at Wembley earlier last month.

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