Liverpool could be set to offload five players in this summer’s transfer window, with Reds boss Brendan Rodgers possibly about to undergo a major rebuilding of his squad ahead of next season.
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Liverpool transfer news
The Northern Irishman has had a tough time at Anfield this year, losing big names like Luis Suarez and failing to find adequate replacements, resulting in the club finishing in sixth place in the Premier League.
It may be that Liverpool will need to sell before they can buy, and here are five players looking set for the chop, and five realistic replacements also listed…
1) Raheem Sterling
Wanted by a number of Premier League clubs and European giants, Raheem Sterling wants out of Liverpool this summer after rejecting a new contract at Anfield. The England international has become a troublesome presence at the club and would be a good player to sell due to the large transfer fee he’d likely bring in.
Possible replacement: Pedro (Barcelona)
2) Mario Balotelli
Struggling since his £16m move from AC Milan, Mario Balotelli is sure to be on his way out of the club at the end of the season, with Serie A sides interested in him again after a surprisingly poor second spell in England.
Possible replacement: Christian Benteke (Aston Villa)
3) Rickie Lambert
Linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers, Rickie Lambert has had a poor season at Liverpool since joining from Southampton, and the 33-year-old surely has no future on Merseyside.
Possible replacement: Carlos Tevez (Juventus)
4) Lucas Leiva
An injury-prone defensive midfielder, Lucas Leiva has not been as much of a regular for Liverpool in recent times and has been linked with a move to Inter Milan this summer. The Reds could surely do better in this position and will also need to strengthen in midfield as Steven Gerrard prepares to leave.
Possible replacement: Radja Nainggolan (AS Roma)
5) Iago Aspas
Loaned out to Sevilla this season, Iago Aspas had a desperately poor time in his single season at Liverpool last term, and will surely not be part of the club’s plans again. A versatile attacking midfielder would certainly be useful in replacing the Spaniard.
Possible replacement: Roberto Firmino (Hoffenheim)