A collection of players the Anfield side can afford to let go.
The term ‘transitional period’ applies to no one better than Liverpool at the moment. After several disappointing league campaigns that saw their threat and influence diminish they are now attempting to turn fortunes around and become a challenger for the title once again.
Brendan Rodgers has an unconventional approach to say the least and rumours of Liverpool’s finances haven’t lent themselves to bring comfort to fans, so chances are they’ll need to jettison some of the players who aren’t pushing the club forward.
Pepe Reina
It seems strange to say, as not long ago he was a consistent candidate for the best ‘keeper in the league. However, after wracking up nearly 400 appearances the Reds it could be time for a new challenge. The gaffes and errors have come a little quicker this season than they have before as he’s looked progressively unsteady.
Fabio Borini
A player Rodgers knew well from his time at both Chelsea and Swansea, the young Italian was signed for his positional ability in the opposition penalty area. Sadly, he’s seen his chances limited by injury but a solitary goal in 16 appearances this season suggest that perhaps he isn’t worth the £10.5 million they paid Roma for his services.
Jordan Henderson
Hype surrounds certain players naturally, whether they’re worth it or not, but if a club spends £20 million on a player then they’d better be worth it. So far he hasn’t justified his price tag contributing just three goals and five assists this season. Henderson seems to be the poster boy for over valued young British talent.
Danny Wilson
Joining from Rangers in 2008 to much pomp, the then 17-year-old was compared to Alan Hansen and tipped to have a bright future in the game. This could still happen, but the move to Liverpool may have come to soon for the young Scot as he’s subsequently been loaned out to Blackpool, Bristol City, and currently, Hearts. A permanent move away with a buy back option for the club could be ideal to allow him to settle somewhere and develop.
Andy Carroll
Where to start? Carroll now seems like £35 million after just one semi-successful Premier League season. Previous management didn’t seem to know how to use him properly, despite knowing what he attributes are and Rodgers has since shipped him out to West Ham where he has spent longer on the sidelines than he has on the pitch. Liverpool are unlikely to recover even a quarter of what they paid for the England man in 2011 but a quick sale will get him off the wage bill and allow the club to focus on more capable targets that will fit into Rodgers’ system.
Jay Spearing
Another highly lauded academy graduate who has failed to make a meaningful impact. Currently on loan at Championship side Bolton; he’s made more league appearances for them this season than he has in five years at Liverpool. Used mostly in cup competitions (and in fact, only cup competitions before his move in August,) he could still turn out to be a handy player for someone, but it is unlikely to be Liverpool.
Stewart Downing
Aston Villa were laughing all the way to the bank after receiving £20 million for the England winger – £8 million more than they paid Middlesbrough for him. He was largely considered a laughing stock in his debut season as he failed to make a single goal or assist for his new club. This season has seen a slight improvement in his fortunes, as he’s now chalked up four goals and five assists but he’s still a long way off justifying the price tag and earlier this season seemed to be so out of favour that he was told that he may have to play at left-back if he wanted to be a part of the squad. Some have accused him of collecting England caps by being connected to the club, and on they evidence available – they could be right.
Brad Jones
A perennial back up goalkeeper, he became the first player to wear a snood in a competitive fixture during a Europa League game in 2010. Sadly, this surmises he contribution to the club as he’s made to the club having failed to dispose Reina of a starting spot and flitting between second and third choice goalkeeper. He’s had his moments of competency and a new contract in December could suggest that Rodgers is keen to keep him around as backup, but with young Hungarian goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi making a steady rise into the senior squad expect him to switch between second and third choice again soon.
Oussama Assaidi
The tricky winger made a name for himself in Holland with De Graafschap and Heerenveen before joining the summer for £2.4 million. However, he’s so far failed to make an impact and has been limited to just three league appearances. Largely kept out of the squad due to the emergence of Raheem Sterling and Suso, meaning that he’s been limited to fleeting Europa League games and unsuccessful trials in both domestic cups. At 24-years-old, a move would be beneficial for him to ensure that he career doesn’t stall.
Dani Pacheco
Liverpool have been hoarding highly rated young players and not playing them. Pacheco is the latest in a long line of such examples. Another player who has made more appearances for the club’s he’s joined on loan than for Liverpool, there’s a sense that the 21-year-old Spaniard would have made more of an impression in the first team by now. Currently at Huesca in the Spanish Segunda division, where he has settled well since making the switch in the January transfer window. A permanent move away would suit both player and club as he is unlikely to feature much if he stays.