After strengthening their title-winning squad with big signings — including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz — many believed Liverpool were favourites to win the Premier League again. However, things have been far from smooth.
Arne Slot’s team have hit a difficult patch, looking disjointed while other clubs around them gain momentum. Losses to Crystal Palace (twice), Chelsea, Galatasaray, Manchester United and Brentford created real concern. Wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid offered some hope, but the recent 3–0 defeat to Manchester City has dragged them right back into trouble.
Both the manager and several players are now under scrutiny. A number of squad members have put in poor displays, including players who previously performed at an elite level. While some — like Alexis Mac Allister — may yet find their best form again, others may have reached the point where Slot should look to move them on. Considering performances, contracts, playing time and age, here are four Liverpool players who might need to be offloaded.
Ibrahima Konaté
When Liverpool signed Konaté from RB Leipzig in 2021, many thought they had finally secured a long-term partner for Virgil van Dijk. For a while that seemed true — the French defender delivered commanding displays and quickly became a fan favourite.
But since the new season began in August, Konaté’s level has dropped sharply. He has made several costly errors and looks far less reliable. His worst performance arguably came in the defeat to Manchester City, where supporters branded him a “liability” and demanded he be sold in January — and based on current form, it’s difficult to argue otherwise.
Whether it’s transfer speculation or interest from Real Madrid distracting him, his concentration doesn’t seem to be where it should be. With his contract running down, Liverpool would be wise to try to recoup a fee in the next window. At this point, there’s little justification for a contract extension.
Wataru Endo
This is less about Endo’s ability and more about Liverpool’s current squad needs. With Mac Allister struggling to dictate games like he did last season, Slot needs a midfielder who can step in and match that influence. He doesn’t appear to believe Endo is that option.
The 32-year-old didn’t feature against City and has managed only four league appearances totaling just 39 minutes. Time isn’t on his side, and Liverpool need a younger, more dynamic alternative in midfield. They’ve already been linked with players like Adam Wharton and Eduardo Camavinga, any of whom would represent a major upgrade.
Federico Chiesa
Chiesa’s inclusion isn’t about a lack of talent. After an injury-affected debut season, he has started to show flashes of what he can bring from the wing.
The issue is opportunity. Despite Liverpool often lacking attacking spark, Chiesa has barely featured — just 125 Premier League minutes across eight matches, producing two goals and an assist. He could have offered something different against City, but Slot waited until the 83rd minute to bring him on.
If Slot isn’t going to use him, then it may be better for both parties if he moves somewhere he’ll play regularly.
Liverpool players with the fewest Premier League minutes in 2025/26 (minimum one appearance):
Player Games Minutes
Rio Ngumoha 4 33
Wataru Endo 4 39
Joe Gomez 4 47
Jeremie Frimpong 4 86
Federico Chiesa 8 125
Mohamed Salah
This one will be hard for fans to accept, but handing Mohamed Salah a contract extension may have been a mistake. He earned the new deal after an incredible season (29 goals and 18 assists), yet this year his performances have dipped significantly.
He has scored four goals, but lacks his usual sharpness and threat. Against Manchester City he looked ineffective, and his lack of defensive work rate — highlighted by Wayne Rooney — added to the criticism. At 33 years old, questions are beginning to arise: is this just poor form, or the start of decline?
He can still prove people wrong, but with performances consistently below his past levels, Liverpool should at least consider serious offers if they arrive.
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