On Wednesday, Liverpool completed their biggest signing of the summer to date after confirming a deal for Hoffenheim star Roberto Firmino, according to the club’s official website.
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The Brazil international arrives from the Bundesliga after featuring in the division’s top three assists-makers for both of the last two seasons.
He is the kind of player who can become the darling of the Kop, and could well prompt a period of optimism at Anfield following a season of malaise.
While Firmino will surely command a spot in Liverpool’s starting XI, and could well go on to become a key figure in the club’s future, his arrival will come at a cost.
The Reds spent a reported £29 million to bring the Selecao star to Merseyside [BBC], and his arrival may have both depleted the coffers and will have increased the competition for places.
As things stand, Brendan Rodgers may well need to offload some squad players in order to make space for his new addition.
Here are five players who could be set for the exit door this summer.
Mario Balotelli
The Italy striker cost Rodgers £16 million when he signed for the Reds back in August [Telegraph], but a return of one goal in the Premier League has led to a complete loss of faith in the Italy international-the striker didn’t manage 90 minutes for the Merseysiders since November 1.
According to Eurosport, Turkish giants Besiktas are interested in the former Manchester City hitman, and it would surprise no one if he were to depart this summer.
Rickie Lambert
Despite the goodwill that accompanied Rickie Lambert’s transfer to Liverpool from Southampton last summer [The Guardian], things just haven’t worked out for the Scouse striker.
The England international managed only seven Premier League starts this season, and scored just twice.
Now 33, it looks unlikely that he has much of a part to play in the club’s future.
The Standard have reported that Queens Park Rangers are keen on the forward as a replacement for Charlie Austin.
Luis Alberto
The Liverpool Echo reported last week that Malaga had decided to pull the plug on Luis Alberto’s loan deal after just one campaign, and while the 22-year-old still has time on his side, he looks unlikely to find a place for himself on Merseyside.
Two goals in 15 appearances in La Liga last season raise doubts about whether Liverpool will be able to recuperate the reported £7 million they paid Sevilla for the attacker two years ago [Sky Sports].
Fabio Borini
It just hasn’t worked out for Fabio Borini at Liverpool, where, despite accompanying Rodgers to the club, he has been unable to profit from his position as a favourite of the manager [Liverpool Echo].
The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Italy, with Bologna, Lazio and Fiorentina believed to be keen on the former Chelsea striker [Goal].
He managed one goal in 12 EPL outings last term, and has done little to suggest that he can make the grade at Anfield.
Raheem Sterling
Unlike the other players on this list—all of whom Rodgers may well personally drive to another club—the Northern Irish boss will be desperate to keep Raheem Sterling.
However, the England star has made clear his desire and intent to leave Anfield, and Manchester City appear to be particularly tenacious in their desire to recruit him this summer [Liverpool Echo].
A fee of £50 million would represent an excellent income for the 20-year-old wideman, particularly considering Liverpool now have Firmino lined up as a potential replacement.