Jurgen Klopp's emphasis this summer will be on building on, rather than breaking apart, his Liverpool squad.
The bulk of the trimming was done ahead of his first full campaign in charge and the German has designs on injecting more quality and dynamism to his roster in 2017-18.
Reds after Fulham wonderkidThe likes of Julian Brandt, Naby Keita and Ryan Sessegnon have been targeted, with a top centre-back high on the agenda. There will be greater competition in every area of the pitch, so what happens to the current personnel?
Goal runs through the squad and considers who should be kept, sold and have offers entertained when the transfer window opens...
KEEP AT ALL COSTS
Philippe Coutinho - Barcelona’s charm offensive for the Brazilian continues, with Neymar as its chief conductor. However, the 24-year-old has committed his future to Liverpool - his new five-year deal containing no release clause - repeatedly stating that he wants to be a driving force as they look to mix it with Europe’s elite again.
Sadio Mane - The Senegalese speedster has been a complete revelation in his debut season on Merseyside and his influence is only expected to increase as his advancement and that of the squad continues. Mane's worth to Liverpool was clearly evident during his Africa Cup of Nations absence.
Roberto Firmino - Klopp’s appreciation for his focal point is endless, and regardless of the summer additions in attack, the selfless 25-year-old will remain core to implementing his manager’s blueprint.
Adam Lallana - England’s Player of the Year can submit a robust case to adopt that title for Liverpool too, given his stellar contribution both in and out of possession this season.
Jordan Henderson - The captain’s injury struggles have stifled yet another campaign, but he has proved assertive and essential in the No.6 role. Klopp will hope his side’s “motor” will be fully operational in 2017-18.
Nathaniel Clyne - The reliable England international will remain at right-back and can provide cover on the left. He needs to up his attacking input, though.
Gini Wijnaldum - The Dutch star's intelligent, tireless performances in midfield have been complemented with vital goals and assists.
Emre Can - The Germany international has been crucial to Liverpool’s six-game unbeaten run after navigating a difficult few months due to a nagging calf issue that hampered his form. He offers variation in midfield through his aerial ability and explosiveness in carrying the ball out. The 23-year-old is currently locked in a contract impasse, but with the Reds targeting a return to Europe’s elite next season, they should only be adding to not subtracting their current options in the centre of the park.
James Milner - The 31-year-old has adjusted to his new duty as left-back admirably and all current indications are that he is set to continue there next season.
Joel Matip - The only asterisk against the centre-back since his summer switch from Schalke has been the number of games he has missed due to a persistent ankle problem.
Dejan Lovren - Klopp has designs on bringing in a top player to compete with Matip and the Croatian, who is close to agreeing a new contract, in the heart of defence. Like his partner, Lovren has been unavailable through injury far too often this season.
Ragnar Klavan - The Estonia international is expected to stay on at Anfield as a squad player to offer depth in defence.
Simon Mignolet - The 29-year-old was incredible against Stoke and has undoubtedly benefitted from having proper competition between the sticks this season. His all-round game has improved and given Liverpool are targeting more pressing issues to address, a goalkeeper exit would only be sanctioned if an offer came in that couldn’t be turned down.
Loris Karius - The former Mainz shot-stopper was signed with a view to being the club’s long-term No.1 and confidence in his abilities has not waned.
Danny Ward - Early suggestions are that he will return from his temporary stint at Huddersfield and provide further competition in goal, but there have been enquiries over him already.
Divock Origi - With 20 goals in 30 starts across all competitions during his short Liverpool career thus far, the Belgian is a good, contrasting option in attack. Just 21, much more is expected from him.
Trent Alexander-Arnold - There is zero doubt at Melwood that the 18-year-old has a sizeable future ahead at his boyhood club. He has deputised well for Nathaniel Clyne and Liverpool are confident he will kick on.
Ben Woodburn - The Reds’ youngest-ever goalscorer should continue his development with the first team along with fellow Wales international Harry Wilson.
Ovie Ejaria - The 19-year-old seized his opportunities this season and had it not been for a ruptured syndesmosis sustained at the end of January, he would’ve easily reached double figures in appearances during his breakthrough campaign.
Danny Ings - The striker is expected to return in pre-season after suffering cartilage damage in his right knee in November. There was plenty of interest in the 24-year-old last summer, but given he won’t be 100% sharp ahead of the new campaign, it is likely he’ll stay at Anfield as he rebuilds his fitness before adding to Liverpool’s options in attack.
OPEN TO OFFERS
Lucas - With greater competition coming in at both centre-back and midfield ahead of 2017-18, the club’s longest-serving player could finally - after so many almost moments - wave goodbye as he seeks regular game-time. The Brazilian will be a huge miss in the dressing room should he depart.
Marko Grujic - The Serbian’s debut campaign has not gone as envisioned due to injuries, but the belief in his attacking attributes remains. Liverpool want to keep the 21-year-old, but if the midfield is heavily boosted and a suitable loan offer materialises that allows Grujic to play more regularly next season, it would be considered.
Joe Gomez - Multiple clubs have made checks on the centre-back, who is thought of highly at Anfield. The Reds do not want to part with the England youth international. However, due to the escalating interest in him, they could receive an offer too good to reject.
Sheyi Ojo - The 19-year-old has regressed this season, making just two FA Cup appearances. A back injury didn’t aid his push to break into Klopp’s plans and he has slipped below Woodburn and Wilson in the attacking equation.
PACK YOUR BAGS - YOU'RE OFF!
Mamadou Sakho - The scramble for top centre-backs this summer is sure to help Liverpool’s desire to bank upwards of £25 million for the Frenchman as will his performances on loan at Crystal Palace. Sakho is playing for his future, which is undeniably away from Merseyside following his indiscretions. Southampton and Napoli have both showed an interest in the 27-year-old.
Lazar Markovic - Liverpool will look to move the 23-year-old on permanently in the summer as they fortify their attacking options in the transfer window.
Alberto Moreno - Inter and AC Milan have made initial contact regarding the left-back, who has been afforded just eight starts this season. He prefers a return to Spain, but either way an exit looks increasingly likely.
Daniel Sturridge - An elite finisher, but one that is not available enough, the England forward will not want to spend his prime years as a squad player. Paris Saint-Germain made a loan approach for Sturridge in the summer and more proposals from France are anticipated at the end of the season.
Conor Randall - The full-back has failed to impress and should secure a move that allows him continue to develop by playing regularly.
Alex Manninger - The 39-year-old goalkeeper is out of contract in the summer.
Kevin Stewart - The midfielder will be starved of opportunities next season and two Championship clubs have registered interest in the 23-year-old.
Jon Flanagan - With just five league appearances during his loan spell for Burnley, it may be hard to find suitors for the Scouser. With Liverpool looking to the future at fullback, though, he’ll be best served moving on.
Adam Bogdan - The 29-year-old Hungarian goalkeeper is out of contract in the summer.
Andre Wisdom - The defender, currently on loan at Red Bull Salzburg, last started a game for Liverpool on 16 September 2013.
