Liverpool appear to be edging closer to hiring Ruben Amorim as their next manager.
Although things don’t appear to be anything like signed and sealed, if Amorim isn’t in the dugout next season, it’s going to feel like a shock.
As a result, we’ve already looked ahead to how the Reds could line up with the Sporting manager at the helm. We’ve also tried to predict those in the Liverpool squad who could benefit from Amorim taking over.
On the flip-side of that though, there are always going to be some losers when a new manager comes in. We’ve taken a look at who those could be as well.
Further to that point, it’s also worth considering some players who Amorim – or whoever it may be – could do with quickly upgrading once installed as manager.
Liverpool squad set for revamp
It’s without question that Klopp is leaving Liverpool in a good place for a new manager. Plenty feel it’s a difficult job following the German at Anfield, but it’s also true that he has built a squad that doesn’t need too much tweaking.
Nevertheless, there are still a couple of weak spots in Jurgen’s group. If Liverpool are truly to go to the next level, we think the following three players could be replaced.
Wataru Endo
Controversial, perhaps, but Wataru Endo has shown in recent games that he may not be the top-class defensive midfielder Liverpool need.
Endo has been absolutely terrific up until this point after arriving in the summer. What he’s done for the Reds shouldn’t be underestimated. But at 31, he surely isn’t going to improve or be able to maintain his level in the long-term.
Alan Varela has been linked from Porto and he would look like a potential heir to Endo’s throne. It hurts to say, but Liverpool’s No.6 question hasn’t been fully answered by the Japanese.
Ibrahima Konate
Again, this is likely to disappoint – and even maybe enrage – some Liverpool supporters. Ibrahima Konate is clearly a brilliant centre-back who still has his peak ahead of him.
But the truth is that Konate cannot be relied upon to stay fit over a full season. The Reds have been lucky with Jarell Quansah stepping up so convincingly this season, but it won’t always be like that.
With Joel Matip heading on his way at the end of the season, Liverpool would be wise to bring in a player of Konate’s level who can start with more regularity. Goncalo Inacio has been heavily linked before. Maybe Amorim would see the sense in brining his current player with him to Anfield.
Cody Gakpo
Most fans would agree that Cody Gakpo hasn’t kicked on in the way that had been hoped this season. Yes, he’s bagged 13 goals, but they’ve mostly been in cup competitions.
On the one hand, he’d be hard to improve upon as a fifth-choice attacking option. Klopp compared Gakpo’s contribution to that of Takumi Minamino in 2021/22 and Cody is certainly better than Minamino.
At the same time though, you do feel as though with Darwin Nunez misfiring, Liverpool could do with a more reliable presence to turn to. Gakpo’s countryman Joshua Zirkzee has been highlighted as a player the Reds should be looking at. Perhaps he’d be one to turn to.
This doesn’t mean these players should be sold, but their place in the Liverpool squad can be upgraded.