The Tuesday Transfer Column – Who’s leaving Liverpool?

As Kenny Dalglish sets about the task of revamping his Liverpool squad for next season, a lot of media speculation has been focused on identifying the signings which Liverpool are pursuing in the current transfer window. Less media attention has been devoted the potential outgoings at Liverpool.

Under the stewardship of new owners FSG (Fenway Sports Group) and the management of Kenny Dalglish, a return to ‘the Liverpool Way’ at Anfield has made it is increasingly difficult to assess which transfer rumours and speculation hold any real merit. The club now conducts its business behind closed doors, which whilst being the prudent and sensible way to run a club, makes it rather dull for the fanatical Liverpool fan, who trawls the internet for any hint or clue of activity at the club.

Despite the veil of secrecy shrouding Anfield in regard to incoming and outgoing players – many fans recognise that there are players who for various reasons, Dalglish would like to have removed from the wage-bill at Anfield this summer. As well as the bonus of removing any ‘dead-wood’, any sales would also carry an added benefit in that they would boost Dalglish’s summer transfer kitty as he aims to freshen up his squad with new signings.

So which stars which will be leaving Anfield before the window shuts on the 1st of September? Where are their most likely destinations? This article looks at the speculation over the last week in the transfer market. Trawling through scores of articles so you don’t have to, I will aim to bring you this segment every Tuesday on Live4Liverpool.

Paul Konchesky – Reports have been gathering pace over the last week that the 30 year old left back is getting nudged closer to the Anfield exit door. A predicted return to Fulham has been ruled out however following the appointment of Martin Jol as Fulham boss. Jol is keen to look elsewhere to find a replacement for homesick Mexican International Carlos Salcido. (Skysports) (The People)

This turn of events has alerted Portsmouth, who would like to snap up Konchesky on a season long loan. (Daily Mail) Whilst Mick McCarthy’s Wolves have also expressed a continued interest in signing the defender. Wolves had previously approached Liverpool about a move in January, but any move then was blocked due to the ‘three club rule’ which prevents players from playing for more than two clubs in a calendar year. (skysports.com) (TEAMtalk)

Konchesky has endured an horrific time at Anfield since his £3.5m move last summer, and as a result Liverpool will surely expect to make a loss on any prospective sale. Konchesky has 3 years left to run on his contract (The Guardian) which is worth approximately 50k a week (OurKop).

Sotoris Kygriakos – The Greek centre-back has earned a one-year extension to his LFC contract due to a clause in his two-year deal that entitled him to another year should he play a certain number of games last season. This has led to uncertainty about Soto’s future at the club. Opinion is divided.

Some media outlets are speculating that he may be part of the plans for next season – suggesting that any prospective loan of Danny Wilson may be partially due to Soto’s contract extension (lfconline). Contrary reports tout a return to Greece as the most likely outcome (Setanta) (TEAMtalk), whilst reports in Germany claim that Soto has been offered to Hamburg, but that that Hamburg have rejected the proposal (ClickLiverpool). One could speculate that an offer which was specifically to Hamburg may have been part of a move for winger Eljero Elia, this remains to be seen and only reflect my personal thoughts on the matter.

Raul Meireles – A prospective £14m bid from Inter Milan was been mooted early last week (talkSPORT) (The Mirror). The rumours have died down somewhat over the weekend, but if more midfielders are brought in, expect the speculation to return in earnest. Meireles’ place is by no means assured next season and demands for improved terms on his contract may not help his cause either, as discussed in depth on this site during the week (live4liverpool).

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