A year ago
Jurgen Klopp insists that Liverpool are not being held hostage for their potential summer transfer targets and is not afraid to pursue other names in their place.
The recruitment team is intensifying their post-season efforts ahead of what is likely to be a busy season, but the Reds boss is confident that he will be able to recruit the players he wants.
After a season in which Klopp's team was underwhelmed and had only one chance at Champions League qualification with four Premier League games remaining, Liverpool are looking for at least two new midfielders.
At the conclusion of the season, James Milner will leave on a free transfer; fellow midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are also out of contract; and Arthur Melo, who is currently on loan, will be returning to parent club Juventus. Striker Roberto Firmino has previously affirmed he will leave in the mid year, while goalkeeper Adrian is probably going to follow also.
With their departure from long-term target Jude Bellingham, who was valued at around £130 million by Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool demonstrated that they will not pursue signings at any cost now that the sights are coached elsewhere.
While Brighton's Alexis Mac Allister has emerged as a priority, the situation could be complicated by a number of clubs, including Manchester United, that are also wooing the Argentine world champions. The Reds are still interested in Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
At Anfield on Saturday, Liverpool will take on Brentford in an effort to keep their push for the top four going.
With four games remaining, Jurgen Klopp's team is fifth in the Premier League, having won their last five games. The Reds trail Manchester United by one point, but Erik ten Hag's team has a game in hand over the Anfield team.
In the event of a late injury, the full Liverpool squad is expected to be available to face Thomas Frank's team.
Goalkeepers: Adrian, Caoimhin Kelleher, and Alisson Becker
Defenders: Andy Robertson, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, Ibrahima Konate, Nat Phillips, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Virgil van Dijk are the other players.
Midfielders: Curtis Jones, Arthur Melo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Fabio Carvalho, Harvey Elliott, and James Milner.
Although Liverpool's entire season was marred by disappointment, the fact that they refused to give up on their goal of qualifying for the Champions League has left a lot riding on their next four games.
The Reds are fifth in the table right now, four points behind their old rival Manchester United, who have a game in hand, but they are helped by the Red Devils' overtime loss to Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night.
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