10 July 2023 , 08:37
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will have some big decisions to make this summer as his players return to training ahead of another Premier League push.
The Reds were one game away from the Premier League title in 2021-22, but dropped off significantly last term to only finish fifth. That means no Champions League football, while a busy summer rebuild has already begun.
Liverpool have spent around £100m on two new midfielders, with Alexis Mac Allister joining from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai turning down more Champions League action with RB Leipzig in order to join the Reds. Several senior stars have moved on, with Roberto Firmino and James Milner leading the exodus, and more could follow.
The first squad members have come back to the training ground as they prepare for a series of pre-season friendlies. Liverpool's senior internationals will have an extended break, as will Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott after their England under-21 exploits.
Those who have returned, however, face uncertain futures. Here, Mirror Football looks at what might lie in store.
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Fabinho
Brazil midfielder Fabinho looked a little out of sorts at times last season. By the end of the campaign, though, he appeared to have turned things back around.
There had been talk of the former Monaco man being allowed to leave, but his form in the Reds' late-season unbeaten run has seen that chat die down. He is no longer an automatic first pick, though, and it remains to be seen how happy he is with that arrangement.
Fabinho is one of the Liverpool stars back in training (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Who should Liverpool keep and sell? H ave your say in the comments section
Joe Gomez
Gomez's longevity makes it easy to forget he is still just 26. The defender has failed to replicate his form from the 2019-20 title-winning season, with injuries playing their part, but is under contract until 2027 so Liverpool have no need to sell up.
If Trent Alexander-Arnold finds himself moving further forward, as was the case towards the end of last season, it could give Gomez opportunities at right-back. Regardless, there doesn't appear to be a huge amount of interest and the Englishman is expected to stick around - even if only as a squad player.
Darwin Nunez
It's fair to say Nunez's first Liverpool season was an up-and-down one. The Uruguayan had some impressive patches, but his goal return was lower than might be expected considering his hefty price tag.
This season is a huge one for the former Benfica star, who will be looking to improve on the 15 goals he scored in all competitions last term. With Cody Gakpo impressing in a central role last season, though, questions remain on how Nunez will best be used within Klopp's setup.
Darwin Nunez faces a big few months (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Joel Matip
Matip found himself out of favour towards the end of last season, playing in just three of Liverpool's final 15 league games. One of those did involve him scoring a winner against West Ham, but the long-serving defender could be the next to leave.
The Cameroonian is entering the final year of his contract, and an up-and-down injury record might make Liverpool reluctant to offer him new terms. There has been little in the way of concrete interest, though, and he may end up following the path of Firmino and seeing out his deal before leaving on a free next summer.
Joel Matip has been linked with a move away (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Thiago Alcantara
Thiago, like Matip, is about to enter the final year of his contract. Unlike the centre-back, though, there is interest in the Spain international - most notably from Saudi Arabia.
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With Thiago unlikely to land a new contract at Anfield, the club may decide this summer is a good time to cash in. The arrival of Mac Allister can help soften the blow of his departure, and a decent fee could be reinvested back into the squad with Liverpool after reinforcements in a few areas.
Thiago's future is the subject of speculation (AFP via Getty Images)Nat Phillips
Phillips' lack of involvement last season suggests his time is close to being up. The defender made just five appearances in all competitions, and was regularly left out of matchday squads altogether by Jurgen Klopp.
The centre-back spent time on loan at Bournemouth in 2022, helping the Cherries earn promotion to the Premier League. His next move, however, may well see him depart Anfield on a permanent basis.
Stefan Bajcetic
Young talent Bajcetic enjoyed a breakout season for Liverpool last term, making his senior debut and later adding his first goal for the club. His campaign ended early, though, with an adductor injury keeping him out of the final two-and-a-half months of the Reds' season.
The Spanish teenager is already well into his rehab, though, and fans will hope he's ready to go by the time the first game of the season rolls around.
Bajcetic is expected to spend another year challenging Fabinho for a starting berth as the team's most defensive-minded midfielder.
Stefan Bajcetic is back after injury (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Adrian
Veteran goalkeeper Adrian didn't play a minute of Premier League football last season. Indeed, his only club appearance came in the Community Shield as Jurgen Klopp's team beat Manchester City.
There are no signs of an exit, though, and indeed the former West Ham keeper has signed a new deal with Liverpool. A popular member of the squad, he will likely remain an important figure in the dressing room this season even if he doesn't make it onto the pitch.