The Liverpool Echo has compiled the most comprehensive list yet of players expected to leave Anfield this summer, with Brendan Rodgers being called upon to make sweeping changes to his struggling side during the off-season.
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Liverpool transfer news
We already know that Steven Gerrard is en route to LA Galaxy when his contract expires at the end of the season, but the Echo have also called into question the futures of Glen Johnson, Brad Jones, Iago Aspas, Mario Balotelli, Fabio Borini, Rickie Lambert, Sebastian Coates, Luis Alberto, Kolo Toure, Jose Enrique and Javier Manquillo.
In the list below we analyse the Liverpool careers of each of these players thus far and discuss how disappointed we will be to see them go…
Steven Gerrard
There’s not much we can do about this one, with the deal done and dusted. His manner of departure is going to be somewhat underwhelming – with his final game being a trip to Stoke City – but that should not take away from the fact that he’s been a wonderful servant to this club. His underwhelming performances this season suggest that the right decision has been made, but surely he should have been allowed to retire a Red. We vote No, on the basis that a short-term contract should have been offered.
Right time to go? – NO
Glen Johnson
You’ll notice that there are a lot of defenders on this list and we feel it would be foolish to dispatch all of our experienced players in one fell swoop. Despite the criticism of Johnson over recent months and even years, you don’t get to 200 plus Liverpool games without having something about you. He’s capable of playing on both the right and left, so if he’d be willing to accept a reduced terms deal then he’d be a more than useful back-up option.
Right time to go? – NO
Brad Jones
You have to feel sorry for the Australian, who finally looked set to get his chance when he surpassed Simon Mignolet in the Liverpool pecking order back in December, only to pick up an injury that would then keep him out for several months. Upon his return, a revitalised Mignolet was back to being our established number one. Jones is probably not Premier League quality and Mignolet needs some stronger competition to keep him on his toes.
Right time to go? – YES
