Who will be leaving Liverpool this summer?
With Rafa Benitez ready to make a fresh approach this summer for Gareth Barry, recent reports suggest that he will first have to sell some players in order to make way for new arrivals.
Benitez is also believed to be interested in the signings of Glen Johnson and David Villa, amongst others. If such high profiles arrivals are on the cards, who can expect to be heading towards the Anfield exit doors before the start of next season? Here is a look at the likely candidates.
Xabi Alonso – Expected to depart to Juventus last summer to make way for Barry, this is a move that may well come to pass one year later. Many Liverpool fans will question why Benitez sees the need to recruit Barry with the Spanish international in the side and in such good form this season. His sale would generate a substantial amount of revenue however, and would see him reunited in the Turin side’s midfield with Mohamed Sissoko
Ryan Babel – The Dutch winger has failed to make the expected impact since his £11.5 million arrival from Ajax in the summer of 2007 and has been unable to hold down a regular place in the side. With erratic contributions from the bench this season, it may be that Benitez decides it’s time to cut his losses.
Lucas Leiva – Has hardly been convincing when starting for the Reds and discipline problems also seem to have crept into his game. Not a fans’ favourite, but is likely to be retained for when Gerrard and Mascherano (and possibly Barry) are unavailable.
Andrea Dossena – In spite of some spectacular goals from the bench (the thunderbolt against Manchester United at Old Trafford being the example that comes to mind), the Italian full-back has failed to cement a place in the starting XI. With Fabio Aurelio and the emerging Emiliano Insua available to Benitez in this position, it could be that Dossena finds his services are no longer required.
Philipp Degen – Injured all season without a chance to impress since his summer arrival, the Swiss right-back could find his Anfield career is over before it has even started if Glen Johnson arrives to compete for the position with Alvaro Arbeloa.
Andriy Voronin – Has enjoyed a successful loan spell at Hertha Berlin this season and has publicly stated that he would be “disappointed” if he had to return to Anfield at the end of the season. Not the kind commitment Benitez will be looking for.
Jermaine Pennant – Whilst he has hardly set the Premier League alight since his loan move to Portsmouth in the second half of the season, Real Madrid and AC Milan were also touted as suitors in January so there is no lack of interest. Benitez, who is known to be frustrated by the winger’s constant tardiness, may take advantage of this.
Daniel Agger – Benitez appears confident of resolving the protracted contract talks with the Danish centre half, but the player himself seems less than convinced his future lies at Anfield. Could be heading to the San Siro, although Liverpool would get nothing in return.
Yossi Benayoun – The Israeli international appeared intent on a move earlier in the season with first team opporutnities limited. However, he has played a crucial part in the second half of Liverpool’s campaign, with important goals against Real Madrid and Fulham to name but two. Benitez appears likely to convince him to stay.
Is the bloated squad and high turnover of players at Anfield hampering Liverpool’s title ambitions? Who do you think is on their way out and who would you like to see replace them? Let us know your thoughts.
