Liverpool could suffer a massive loss in squad depth if they repeat past mistakes

Despite Liverpool’s knack for recouping solid funds on fringe talent, their broader strategy around expiring contracts has cost them dearly. The Reds have had numerous successes in regards to player sales in the past, having previously sold the likes of Rhian Brewster for £23.5million and Sepp van den Berg for £25m.

While they successfully leveraged £10m out of Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold by taking advantage of Madrid's eagerness to register him before the Club World Cup, their high-profile exits tell a much harsher story.

Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah - who mutually agreed to rip up the last year of his deal - all departed the club for nothing this summer.

The trio's exits could have resulted in a windfall if the Reds had learned from the free transfer departures of Roberto Firmino, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Emre Can in the past. The pattern may well be repeating itself with 10 first-team players currently poised to walk away for nothing next summer, unless contract renewals are agreed.

Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Kostas Tsimikas, Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay and Harvey Davies could all be experiencing their final campaign at Anfield.

Reds captain Van Dijk will turn 36 years old a week after his deal runs out next June, yet remains an enormously influential presence at the club. Van Dijk clocked up the most minutes in Europe last season and it's still uncertain whether he'll be handed an extension on his £350,000-a-week terms.

He's a prime target for MLS outfit Chicago Fire, who recently completed the capture of Robert Lewandowski. It did seem for a period that Liverpool supporters might have bid farewell to Alisson, with the Brazilian shot-stopper attracting attention from Juventus.

Nevertheless, the 33-year-old chose to honour the final year of his Liverpool deal and could pursue a return to Serie A next summer or spend his latter years with boyhood side Internacional.

Curtis Jones' future has been a persistent topic of discussion this summer as Inter Milan have repeatedly chased a move for the 25-year-old. Following a rejected £21m approach for the midfielder, the Serie A champions have approached the Reds regarding a £30m transaction, as reported by the ECHO.

Fellow midfielder Harvey Elliott has returned to Anfield following a disastrous loan stint at Aston Villa last season. The 23-year-old has been afforded an opportunity to impress Andoni Iraola this summer, as the Reds' shortage of options in midfield and attack could provide him with the chance to cement his place in the squad once more.

Poised to begin his 12th campaign as a Liverpool player, Joe Gomez is the club's longest-serving member of the squad. The 28-year-old's persistent injury problems have meant he hasn't been dependable and is due to miss the opening of the season after sustaining a muscle injury in the Reds' first pre-season fixture against Sunderland.

Next summer could be the moment when Gomez and the club go their separate ways, but a return to Anfield will be arranged for his testimonial. Kostas Tsimikas will resume his previous position of backup left-back this season, after a disappointing season-long loan at Roma.

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The Greek international, 30, acknowledged he's "really happy" to be back on Merseyside and will probably be afforded plenty of chances to prolong his stay at Liverpool, with the club involved in four competitions.

Midfield duo Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic are both battling for their Liverpool futures this season. The Japan captain has been a useful squad player since arriving in 2023, but featured in only eight league matches in the 25/26 campaign.

The lack of a defensive anchor in Iraola's midfield could present the chance for Endo - and Bajcetic - to work their way into the Spaniard's thinking. Bajcetic hasn't featured for the club since May 2024, with injury setbacks and stints at Red Bull Salzburg and Las Palmas stalling the development of his career at Anfield.

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The 21-year-old rejoined training during pre-season but is still to feature in a friendly fixture. Calvin Ramsay marked his 23rd birthday last week and has appeared on multiple occasions throughout the tour.

The Reds' shortage at right-back, with Conor Bradley sidelined and Jeremie Frimpong susceptible to injuries, might hand the Scotsman a much-anticipated chance to claim the role. Goalkeeper Harvey Davies has yet to make a senior outing for Liverpool but is anticipated to stay at the club until January, according to The Athletic.

The loan exit of Armin Pecsi to TSV and Vitezslav Jaros' ongoing rehabilitation from a knee problem suggest the 22-year-old's prospects at the club may be guaranteed, at least temporarily.