Darwin Nunez arrival spells exits for five Liverpool Players

Liverpool could look to sell as many as five players after they secure the signing of Darwin Nunez with youngster Neco Williams among the names listed.

On Saturday it was all but confirmed that Benfica’s Darwin Nunez would become a Liverpool player after reports revealed a verbal agreement had been agreed for his transfer.

With the final signatures the only part of the deal left to complete, the Uruguayan international will set his new employers back by €80m plus €20m in add-ons.

At approximately £85m altogether, Nunez will be the club’s record signing, eclipsing Virgil van Dijk’s £75m switch from Southampton in 2017.

Not blessed with the financial might of their rivals including both Manchester clubs and Chelsea, Liverpool usually operate shrewdly which highlights the regard in which the 22-year-old striker is held.

The Reds had been forced into the transfer market after the news of Sadio Mané’s inclination to leave in the aftermath of their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.

Edging towards a move to German champions Bayern Munich, Liverpool are said to be demanding £42m for the forward’s services which will go some way to recouping the fee spent in recruiting his replacement.

However, it won’t be enough for higher-ups at Anfield to balance the books and as many as four additional players are on course for the exit door.

Takumi Minamino

Takumi Minamino’s rumoured departure will no doubt be met with division among a contingent of Liverpool supporters. Minamino proved a worthy option when Jurgen Klopp rested his first-choice attacking talent last season and has developed significantly since first arriving from RB Salzburg in 2020.

The 27-year-old was vital in his side’s successful FA Cup and EFL Cup campaigns, scoring last-minute against Leicester City in the latter , in addition to goals against both Norwich and Cardiff en route to the FA Cup final.

Minamino’s exit appears a case of not if but when as Liverpool attempt to raise funds and the player looks to go beyond a peripheral role. Fulham and Wolves are reported to be interested in the £17m-rated midfielder along with Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco.

Neco Williams

Another player the Liverpool faithful may find it difficult to part ways with, Neco Williams is set to leave in the hope of a more prominent role elsewhere. Despite being handed a taste of first-team experience, Williams has failed to stake a claim and with Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of him, future opportunities appear bleak.

Furthermore, the imminent arrival of Aberdeen right-back Calvin Ramsay is set to push the 21-year-old even further down the pecking order. The Wales international spent the second half of last season on loan at Championship winners Fulham and was afforded more responsibility under manager Marco Silva.

Fulham are expected to go back in for the full-back with a fee of £15m thought to be sufficient to prise the academy graduate away.

Nathaniel Phillips

The central defender spent last season on loan at Bournemouth and achieved automatic promotion under former Fulham manager Scott Parker. He formed a resolute partnership with skipper Lloyd Kelly, one that his temporary boss will look to reunite in the Premier League next season.

Phillips provided cover during Liverpool’s injury-ridden 2020/21 season and gave a good account of himself in doing so. Aside from that, however, senior opportunities have been at a premium and at 25-years-old the desire for a move away will surely be reciprocated by all parties.

A permanent transfer to Bournemouth was expected, with a fee of £15m suggested, but Jurgen Klopp has reportedly made a U-turn as another loan becomes the more likely option. It is unclear whether this line of thinking will again change after Nunez’s signing, we’ll have to wait and see.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to leave Liverpool?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s time at Liverpool has been representative of his career somewhat. Despite enjoying spells at the forefront of Jurgen Klopp’s plans, the midfielder’s ability to perform on a consistent basis has been limited due to injuries.

The 28-year-old made just 6 appearances with only 3 coming from the start last season and all reports point towards an imminent departure.

Football Insider understands the club will listen to offers in the region of £10m for Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose contract runs out next season, and Aston Villa are among the teams interested.