Liverpool ‘could offload 10 players’ as Klopp trims squad before new season

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could sanction the permanent or temporary departures of up to 10 players as the Reds prepare for their Premier League title defence.

Klopp’s side face Leeds United in their first Premier League match of the new season on September 12, and will warm up for that with a friendly at home to Blackpool this weekend.

With several of the Reds’ European contingent away on international duty, that Anfield match could feature players who Klopp is hoping to move on in the coming weeks as he looks to trim his squad.

Liverpool have brought in the Greek left-back Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiakos as their only major arrival this summer, while they remain strongly linked with Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

But it is outgoings which are said to be uppermost on Klopp’s mind at the moment, with Goal.com reporting that as many as 10 fringe players could leave Anfield in the last month of the transfer window.

One player who has seemed likely to leave all summer is the Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic, who is wanted by Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin having impressed on loan in the German capital in the last two seasons.

Liverpool do not want to loan out Grujic again though, and would instead like a fee close to £20m for the Serbian.

The same applies to Harry Wilson, who is being chased by several Premier League clubs after impressing at Bournemouth last year.

It is hoped that Wilson – who is currently on international duty with Wales – would command a similar fee to Grujic, although financial constraints during the coronavirus pandemic could affect that figure.

Nat Phillips and Sheyi Ojo are also set to be allowed to leave, with several Championship clubs said to be chasing centre-back Phillips including Nottingham Forest, who would also like Ojo.

Loris Karius and Yasser Larouci have little to no future at the club and are being ushered towards the exit door, with Ben Woodburn, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kamil Grabara also being lined up for loan or permanent departures.

Another loan for Rhian Brewster is also being strongly considered, although that is likely to come towards the end of the window if at all.

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