Liverpool could be heading for a repeat of past mistakes, with as many as 10 first-team players currently set to leave the club for free next summer if they do not sign contract extensions. Among those facing uncertain futures are captain Virgil van Dijk, goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas, Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay and Harvey Davies.
History of free exits
The Reds have previously allowed key players to depart without a transfer fee, including Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson this past summer, as well as Roberto Firmino in 2023 and Emre Can in 2018. The club only earned £10m from Trent Alexander-Arnold's sale to Real Madrid due to the Spanish side wanting him early for the Club World Cup, and it is estimated Liverpool left over £100m on the table in those deals.
Van Dijk and Alisson futures
Van Dijk, who turns 36 a week after his contract expires in June, remains a crucial figure, having played the most minutes in Europe last season. It is unclear whether he will be offered an extension on his £350,000-a-week deal. MLS side Chicago Fire, who recently signed Robert Lewandowski, are reportedly keen on the defender.
Alisson, 33, attracted interest from Juventus but opted to stay for the final year of his contract. He could return to Serie A next summer or join boyhood club Internacional.
Midfield and defensive concerns
Curtis Jones has been pursued by Inter Milan, who had a £21m bid rejected and have since contacted the Reds over a £30m deal. Harvey Elliott, back from a loan at Aston Villa, is seeking to impress manager Andoni Iraola during pre-season.
Joe Gomez, the club's longest-serving player, is set to miss the start of the season due to a muscle injury. Kostas Tsimikas, who returned from a loan at Roma, admitted he is "really happy" to be back and could feature more with the club competing in four competitions.
Endo, Bajcetic, Ramsay and Davies
Wataru Endo, who made just eight league appearances last season, and Stefan Bajcetic, who hasn't played for the club since May 2024, are both fighting for their futures. Calvin Ramsay could get an opportunity at right-back given injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong. Goalkeeper Harvey Davies is expected to stay until January, according to The Athletic.
