- 8 hours ago
Five Liverpool players who could leave in January
Liverpool are enjoying a brilliant first season under Arne Slot.
The Reds look arguably a more complete team than in the final seasons under Jurgen Klopp and the Dutchman could very well end his debut campaign in the Premier League with silverware.
Despite this, not every Liverpool player is enjoying the fruits of Slot's arrival. Unlike Klopp, Slot has been reluctant to heavily rotate his squad, which has left some big-name stars on the fringes.
READ MORE: Five players who could join Liverpool in January
While Liverpool will be reluctant to lose players in the midst of a title charge, there are surely several players who are not content with their situation and could seek a way out in the winter.
Below, FootballTransfers looks at five players who could leave Liverpool in January...
Jarrell Quansah (Centre-back)
Jarrell Quansah enjoyed a real breakout campaign in Klopp's final season at Anfield and was duly rewarded for his exploits with a bumper new contract.
However, since Klopp's departure, the 21-year-old has struggled to get regular minutes. Slot attempted to keep him in the side at the start of the season but nervy displays and mistakes in possession led to him losing his place to Ibrahima Konate.
A January exit may seem unlikely considering that Liverpool do not have a wealth of centre-back options currently at the club, but the youngster could surely benefit from a loan move.
READ MORE: Latest Liverpool transfer news
Joe Gomez (Centre-back)
Joe Gomez was, by his own admission, 'very close' to leaving Liverpool in the summer. He missed the opening game of the season because he had been given permission to speak to clubs as he sought a new challenge after almost a decade at Liverpool.
No move ultimately materialised, however, and Gomez stayed put. Despite his previous importance, Slot has only infrequently had to rely on the versatile defender and game time has been limited.
Gomez's desire to leave and potentially return home to London is unlikely to have disappeared in recent months and a belated exit in January could be on the cards.
Tyler Morton (Defensive midfielder)
Tyler Morton could have been a regular starter at a good level this season after an impressive loan stint at Hull City. The defensive midfielder had suitors in England and abroad in the summer but Liverpool refused to do business.
This has massively stunted the 22-year-old's development as Slot has not given him a single minute of football in the Premier League or the Champions League.
Liverpool's decision to keep him has thus far had little tangible benefit for either party and a January departure would make sense.
Wataru Endo (Defensive midfielder)
Like Morton, Wataru Endo has suffered due to Ryan Gravenberch's surprising emergence as an elite holding midfielder. The Japanese midfielder had been crucial under Klopp but has become almost a forgotten man under Slot.
The former Stuttgart captain is still an excellent player and his talents are wasted on the bench at Liverpool. At 31, the Reds could yet recoup a sizeable chunk of their €20 million outlay as he will have no shortage of suitors should he be put on the market.
A January sale would be surprising but it can't be ruled out given that the veteran's available time to keep playing at the highest level is running out.
Federico Chiesa (Winger)
Federico Chiesa was viewed as one of the best bargain buys of the summer transfer window, having arrived from Juventus for just €12m. However, the Italian has been perennially injured, turning his move into a nightmare.
When fit, Slot has been reluctant to use him, citing his lack of playing time and rhythm as an unnecessary risk given the stakes Liverpool are playing for this season.
This has created a vicious cycle, with Chiesa unable to break out. Speculation surrounding his future has been rampant and Serie A clubs are said to be keeping a close eye on his situation with a view to potentially secure a January loan.