New Liverpool manager Arne Slot may be set for his first friendly match without six key players during this summer. This comes at a time when the club is planning for their pre-season tour of the USA in July.
Pre-Season Preparations in the USA
Liverpool have revealed that they will embark on a pre-season tour of the USA in July. A statement from the club read,
“Slot will begin work with the squad when pre-season gets underway in July, with a three-game trip to the USA as part of the preparations for 2024-25.”
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However, before the Reds fly to the USA, several players can be let go of the team. Caoimhin Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, and Joe Gomez are all expected to leave Anfield. Kelleher, who played 10 Premier League games last season, requires more playing time. He said to The Athletic,
“Whether it’s here at Liverpool or somewhere else, I do feel the next step for me is to be a No.1.”
Meanwhile, Van den Berg is also looking for regular first-team football. Another player associated with a transfer to Saudi Arabia is Joe Gomez who is at the moment with the England national team.
Olympic Impact on Liverpool Squad
Another potential problem for Slot is the Olympics in the final week of July. Mohamed Salah, Wataru Endo, and Stefan Bajcetic are likely candidates for their respective national teams. This would result in Liverpool having six crucial players missing during pre-season.
There are reports that Joe Gomez is willing to quit Liverpool and join a club in Saudi Arabia this summer. However, he was not a regular starter in the 2023–24 season. He has covered multiple positions in defense, but a move might offer him more regular playing time.
Liverpool faces a challenging start to their pre-season with these potential departures. Fans and the new manager will be watching closely as the situation unfolds.
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