Liverpool is getting ready to make the trip for their United States tour, and who gets left behind could offer a huge signal as to who will leave the club this summer.
The first important milestone of the Arne Slot era has been achieved. However, the new Liverpool manager will have a clearer picture of what he has inherited in terms of his playing staff in the coming two weeks.
Following a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End on Friday, the Reds will fly to the United States on Tuesday for luxury warm-up games against Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
And who travels – or, more importantly, who does not travel – across the Atlantic will provide a strong indication of which players might be best served finding new pastures before the transfer season shuts.
With 11 of Liverpool’s 14 representatives from the European Championships and Copa America yet to return – Diogo Jota and Alisson Becker are next in line and might hook up during the US tour – there will be plenty of room for teenagers and peripheral players to join the travelling party.
Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio, both centre-backs, are unlikely to travel. Neither has participated in first-team training, instead working with the under-21s, and is prepared to depart. Williams has sparked interest from League One and Turkey, while Koumetio has piqued the curiosity of several clubs, including Scottish Premiership side Dundee United.
Sepp van den Berg and Nat Phillips are also expected to leave Liverpool this summer, and while Jarell Quansah is the only recognised centre-back available with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, and Joe Gomez on three-week holidays, the duo will be needed in the United States.
Any other imminent departure is more likely to be on loan. Dominic Corness had a successful stay in Switzerland last season and was initially involved in pre-season training, but did not appear in the friendly against Preston. Tom Hill, Jayden Danns (who had a slight injury), and goalkeepers Marcelo Pitaluga and Fabian Mrzoek did not play. Not everyone is expected to travel to the United States, which may result in at least one temporary departure.
