Michael Edwards is set to make a return to Liverpool, assuming a new senior position within the club’s ownership, Fenway Sports Group. However, this development raises questions about potential player departures from the club during the upcoming summer transfer window.
In May 2022, Edwards departed from his position as Liverpool’s first ever sporting director and subsequently took a hiatus from professional football.
Despite receiving an offer from Chelsea, the 44-year-old opted to remain out of the footballing limelight.
Nevertheless, the former Reds transfer guru is slated to rejoin Liverpool this summer, albeit not in the same capacity as before. Instead, Edwards will assume the role of CEO of Football for FSG, commencing his duties in June.
This appointment signifies his oversight of Liverpool’s footballing operations, inevitably involving significant involvement in transfer activities, alongside the club’s forthcoming sporting director and manager.
Below are four players who might depart the club this summer, one of them being a surprising choice.
Kostas Tsimikas
Liverpool’s second-choice left-back, Kostas Tsimikas, has effectively filled in for Andrew Robertson following the latter’s shoulder injury.
Despite his commendable performance, Tsimikas has found himself sidelined upon the return of Robertson and Joe Gomez from their respective injuries. Under Jurgen Klopp’s management, Robertson and Gomez have frequently been favored for the position.
As Tsimikas still has three years remaining on his contract, Liverpool’s sporting director, Michael Edwards, along with the club management, may consider selling the 27-year-old to generate funds for further strengthening the squad.
Caoimhin Kelleher
Caoimhin Kelleher has recently stepped up as a standout performer for Liverpool amidst Alisson’s absence due to injury.
Many supporters have held the belief that Kelleher, representing the Republic of Ireland, possesses the potential to be the primary goalkeeper for a leading Premier League team. Currently, he is effectively filling this role until Alisson is expected to return early next month.
However, Liverpool face a potential dilemma as Kelleher may not be content with returning to a backup position once Alisson is back in action. Given his age of 25, it’s likely that Kelleher is eager to secure a starting position, whether it’s with Liverpool or another club.
The prospect of selling Alisson, who was widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers globally in 2023, seems implausible. Therefore, it raises the possibility that Kelleher might seek opportunities elsewhere if he desires a starting role.
Rhys Williams
Rhys Williams played a crucial role providing cover for Liverpool’s injury-stricken defense during the 2020/21 season.
The subsequent season saw him being loaned out to Swansea in the Championship, but he struggled to leave a mark. A similar fate awaited him at Blackpool during the 2022/23 campaign at Bloomfield Road.
Seeking new opportunities, Williams made a move to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership at the start of the current season. However, he did not feature in any matches before being recalled in January.
Unfortunately, his loan spell at League One’s Port Vale was curtailed due to injury, leaving him without any game time once again. As a result, it seems probable that the 23-year-old could depart permanently in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool fans may not welcome the idea, but the potential sale of Mohamed Salah could be a rational move for the Reds, particularly if the Saudi Pro League boosts its already staggering £200 million offer for the Egyptian forward in the upcoming summer transfer window.
At 32 years old, Salah will soon have just one year left on his contract, with no signs yet of an extension being negotiated.
Given the circumstances, Liverpool face a crucial decision: can they afford to reject a significant sum of money that could facilitate the acquisition of one or even two world-class replacements, particularly if the deal is finalized early in the transfer window?
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