BY G9IJA
Liverpool are set for a summer of significant change – and four iconic shirt numbers could soon be available for new recruits or existing stars.
Jurgen Klopp and the club’s backroom staff are working behind the scenes on plans to transform the squad. While Jude Bellingham was an initial target, he looks set for Real Madrid and the Reds are keen to seal several deals rather than bank on one big-money signing.
Midfield is the key area of change, with players such as Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain poised to depart when their current contracts expire.
James Milner is another in that situation, with speculation mounting that he could join former Liverpool man Adam Lallana at Brighton & Hove Albion.
Claims emerged last month that Milner, 37, is keen on a free agent move to the south coast. The Athletic reported that Burnley are also interested, but Brighton remain favourites.
Sky Sports have today taken the speculation further –
Their piece adds: “[Milner] sees the switch as an opportunity to further challenge himself by adjusting to fresh demands and helping Brighton’s conveyor belt of talent to apply themselves in the most professional way.”
Which Liverpool squad numbers could be available in summer?
Should Milner depart, then his no.7 shirt would be up for grabs.
Perhaps the most revered of all Liverpool numbers, it was previously worn by club legends Kenny Dalglish, Ian Callaghan and Kevin Keegan, along with more recent stars such as Luis Suarez and Steve McManaman.
If Keita leaves, as looks highly likely, then no.8 will be free.
It goes without saying that Steven Gerrard was the proud wearer of that one for much of his stellar Reds career. Plenty of other greats have had their turn too, including Steve Nicol, Jimmy Case and Terry McDermott.
Roberto Firmino’s exit has also been confirmed, which means no.9 will be going spare.
It remains to be seen if one of Klopp’s current attacking charges fancies that one; a number worn by many Anfield heroes such as Fernando Torres, Ian Rush and Robbie Fowler.
There has been no no.10 in the Liverpool squad since Sadio Mane joined Bayern Munich at the start of the season.
The next custodian of that number will be following in the footsteps of Philippe Coutinho, Michael Owen, Jan Molby, John Barnes and many more.