The five Liverpool players who could leave in January

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:00 CDT
• 4 min read

Liverpool's summer transfer activity essentially boiled down to the loss of Sadio Mane and the purchase of Darwin Nunez.

Those decisions haven't paid off yet, with Nunez struggling in front of goal since arriving from Benfica, but the Reds are prepared to spend in January in an attempt to ensure they finish in the top four in the Premier League.

Enzo Fernandez is one of their key January transfer targets, but reports have suggested that rivals Manchester United are now leading the race to sign the Argentina international, meaning Liverpool must up their game if they want to sign the 2022 World Cup Golden Ball winner.

READ: The five Man City players who could leave in January

However, there is still a high chance that incomings will only happen if there are outgoings at Anfield. Roberto Firmino has been linked with an exit, but injuries to Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota mean he is now extremely likely to stay put at the club. But, there are five players who could leave the club in January.

Naby Keita

The Guinea midfielder has struggled for form and fitness since joining from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig back in 2018, and Liverpool might finally be able to cut their losses this winter.

His contract at the club is set to expire next summer, meaning they must sell in January or lose him for free in June. Given his injury issues, it's unlikely he's offered a new deal, so Liverpool must look to sell in January, especially if they want to sign Fernandez.

READ: The five Chelsea players who could leave in January

Keita has played just twice all season, without making an appearance in the Premier League, so his departure wouldn't be missed.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Another player who is set to become a free agent in 2023, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be offloaded if Liverpool decide against offering him a new contract.

Like Keita, the former Arsenal man has been dealt a tough hand in regards to injuries during his time at Anfield, with his incredible 2019/20 season now a distant memory.

If he can stay fit and produce impressive cameos like he did against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup before Christmas, then he may find himself still at the club next season. If not, then Liverpool may be forced to sell in January.

Nathaniel Phillips

Nathaniel Phillips spent the second-half of last season on loan at Bournemouth in the Championship, and hasn't been given meaningful game time since arriving back at his parent club at the start of this campaign.

Behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez in the pecking order, Phillips may be loaned out again or he could be sold in order to raise funds. An exit could be best for both parties.

Bobby Clark

Youngster Bobby Clark could be sent out on loan in January after receiving interest from Championship side Preston North End.

Clark impressed in Liverpool's mid-season camp in Dubai, but doesn't appear ready for first-team minutes just yet. Therefore, a loan move seems to be the best course of action for his development.

Ben Doak

Signed from Celtic in the summer, Ben Doak is one of the brightest talents in the United Kingdom, and many believe he is the heir to Mohamed Salah at Liverpool.

As a result, a January sale isn't an option, but he could be loaned out, just like the aforementioned Clark. Doak also caught the eye in Dubai, producing an assist for Darwin Nunez in a cameo appearance against AC Milan.