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Liverpool Debate: Who Could Leave Anfield This Summer If Reds Fail To Qualify For Champions League?
The Kop stars who could be nearing the exit-door
Mar 9, 2010 5:00:00 AM
By Neil Jones | Liverpool Correspondent
Another week, another crisis for Rafael Benitez and Liverpool. After seemingly convincing the world that he had steered the ship through the choppiest waters the Premier League has to offer, the Reds' abject surrender to lowly Wigan Athletic has ensured that critical eyes are once again trained on the Spaniard and his side.
The manner of Liverpool's defeat - they did not manage a single shot on target in 90 minutes at the DW Stadium - was as galling as the result itself. Benitez himself was critical of his side's 'game intelligence' and 'attitude' after the game, but he will have been equally troubled by the collective lack of quality in possession, and their careless defensive lapses - both of which were in evidence for Hugo Rodallega's winning goal.
Liverpool are now sixth in the Premier League with nine games remaining. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are a point clear, and both have games in hand - two in Spurs' case. Additionally, seventh-placed Aston Villa are just a point behind, and have a trio of extra fixtures to play. If Fulham or Portsmouth win the FA Cup - unlikely as it seems - Benitez could be looking at a complete failure to qualify for Europe.
The fixture list is kind to Liverpool, on paper at least. Benitez will be confident that his side can bounce back from their ninth defeat of a wretched season to secure that coveted fourth spot ahead of their equally inconsistent challengers, but if they fail, then heads could certainly roll at Anfield. Goal.com UK examines those who will be eyeing up the exit door this summer if the Reds fail to snatch fourth place....
Rafael Benitez
Modern football's demands for instant success mean that the burden of failure for any club will always fall onto the manager's shoulders. Benitez has been under-fire for the majority of the season, with his transfer-market strategy and tactical prowess under particular scrutiny.
The Spaniard is known to have a deep feeling for Liverpool and the club's supporters, but could well feel that the time has come to move on. If the Reds manage to secure the fresh investment promised by managing director Christian Purslow, the decision could even be taken out of his hands.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: Juventus have been linked with a move for Benitez, and with Alberto Zaccheroni installed in Turin only until the summer, the door is likely to open at Stadio Olimpico for the Spaniard, though Real Madrid could also come calling.
Steven Gerrard
So often the talisman for Benitez's Liverpool, this season their captain has struggled to lift his head above the parapet of mediocrity behind which the club has cowered this season. Eight goals may be a useful return, but Gerrard knows that he has been below-par.
The England star turns 30 this summer, so knows a move at this stage of his career would be final, but signed a new long-term contract only last year, and is unlikely to risk the dent to his prestige on Merseyside, even if most of Europe's big boys are likely to come calling.
Likelihood of Leaving: 1 out of 5
Likely Destination: Gerrard is likely to be courted by most top Champions League sides, but his reluctance to leave Liverpool should nip any potential interest in the bud. Inter Milan have been linked, and Jose Mourinho was always a fan, but a move to Italy seems fanciful.
Fernando Torres
The Spanish striker's frustration at Wigan on Monday night was plain for all to see. A succession of missed chances was followed by a petulant booking, as Torres was left seething by his side's lethargy.
The 25-year-old has been quick to stress his emotional allegiances to Liverpool, in the wake of several stories linking him with a move elsewhere, but the future of Liverpool's prized asset could be out of his hands should a club with the resources of Manchester City arrive at Anfield with a lorry-load of cash.
Likelihood of Leaving: 2.5 out of 5
Likely Destination: Manchester City would appear to be the obvious choice. They have the resources to tempt Liverpool to part with their prized asset (if the Reds require £100 million-worth of fresh investment, City could offer exactly that, for example), and if they are the ones to pip Liverpool to fourth spot this season, they will be able to offer Torres the Champions League stage on which to showcase his ample talents. Barcelona could also swoop for Torres should the opportunity arise. The Spaniard who grew up supporting Atletico Madrid would never don the white shirt of Real Madrid but has admitted a liking for the Catalans.
Javier Mascherano
The Argentina captain has had as mixed a season as any. Two red cards and the subsequent suspensions have hardly helped Liverpool's cause, but Mascherano's form since his return from suspension has been excellent, and his versatility in evidence as he has deputised admirably at right-back.
He was linked strongly with a move to Barcelona in the summer, and the stories appeared to unsettle the South American. And, despite stories suggesting a new deal at Anfield is imminent, expect those stories to resurface again quickly.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: Barcelona would welcome the Argentine's dynamism and passion, a perfect foil for the class of Xavi and Iniesta. Manchester City could afford Mascherano, but is Eastlands a big enough stage for Argentina's captain?
Alberto Aquilani
Seen by some as the white elephant of Liverpool's season, the Italian has found himself a permanent substitute in recent weeks, marginalised by the more prosaic Lucas Leiva.
Fitness problems have played their part, and Benitez has been quick to publicly defend his £17 million acquisition, but the former Roma man has looked off the pace in Premier League combat - despite a useful cameo at Wigan - and could head back to Serie A in the summer.
Likelihood of Leaving: 3 out of 5
Likely Destination: Hard to say. Few sides would be willing to offer cash-back on the £17m paid to Roma last summer, but Aquilani has a good reputation in Europe, and in Serie A especially. An initial return to his homeland, perhaps on loan, could be the answer, especially if Benitez leaves.
Albert Riera
Initially viewed as one of Benitez's successes, the former Espanyol man has found himself planted amongst the failures this season, after a stop-start campaign.
Riera perhaps more than most symbolises the infuriating nature of the wide player at Anfield, veering from exceptional to abysmal in the space of one half of football. Benitez appears to have lost patience with the 27-year-old, who has not featured in any of the last four matches.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: In a word, Spain. The former Manchester City man is an international, who could well be at this summer's World Cup - though that is unlikely on current form - and would have no shortage of suitors if he were to leave Anfield. The likes of Atletico Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna or Villarreal would all be sniffing around, surely.
Ryan Babel
If ever a figure was needed to highlight inconsistency, Ryan Babel is that man. The Dutchman has long promised to be the incisive, pacy force round which Liverpool can build their attack, but has failed to find any kind of rhythm since a promising debut campaign on Merseyside.
The former Ajax star was heavily linked with a move away in January, but Benitez has recently said that the 23-year-old remains part of his plans. Yet despite a series of encouraging displays in February, Babel is back on the bench and may finally lose patience.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: Babel has been linked with plenty of clubs, including Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. Both would appear likely, cash-laden clubs who would be prepared to make the Dutchman a focal point. Other Premier League clubs may not take a chance on the enigmatic star.
Fabio Aurelio
The Brazilian is another who is surely coming to the end of his Anfield career. He was one of the success stories of last season, impressing at left-back with his free-kicks and composed defending, but is horrendously injury-prone, and has been unable to nail down a permanent place as a result.
Is yet to sign a new contract at the club, and such a deal is hard to justify on this season's evidence.
Likelihood of Leaving: 5 out of 5
Likely Destination: Back to Brazil seems to be en vogue at the moment, though Aurelio has forged his reputation almost exclusively in Europe. Spain would be an option, though at a lesser club than Liverpool certainly. Few top sides would gamble on the 30-year-old's creaking body.
And finally, five who won't be going anywhere...
Another week, another crisis for Rafael Benitez and Liverpool. After seemingly convincing the world that he had steered the ship through the choppiest waters the Premier League has to offer, the Reds' abject surrender to lowly Wigan Athletic has ensured that critical eyes are once again trained on the Spaniard and his side.
The manner of Liverpool's defeat - they did not manage a single shot on target in 90 minutes at the DW Stadium - was as galling as the result itself. Benitez himself was critical of his side's 'game intelligence' and 'attitude' after the game, but he will have been equally troubled by the collective lack of quality in possession, and their careless defensive lapses - both of which were in evidence for Hugo Rodallega's winning goal.
Liverpool are now sixth in the Premier League with nine games remaining. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are a point clear, and both have games in hand - two in Spurs' case. Additionally, seventh-placed Aston Villa are just a point behind, and have a trio of extra fixtures to play. If Fulham or Portsmouth win the FA Cup - unlikely as it seems - Benitez could be looking at a complete failure to qualify for Europe.
The fixture list is kind to Liverpool, on paper at least. Benitez will be confident that his side can bounce back from their ninth defeat of a wretched season to secure that coveted fourth spot ahead of their equally inconsistent challengers, but if they fail, then heads could certainly roll at Anfield. Goal.com UK examines those who will be eyeing up the exit door this summer if the Reds fail to snatch fourth place....
Rafael BenitezModern football's demands for instant success mean that the burden of failure for any club will always fall onto the manager's shoulders. Benitez has been under-fire for the majority of the season, with his transfer-market strategy and tactical prowess under particular scrutiny.
The Spaniard is known to have a deep feeling for Liverpool and the club's supporters, but could well feel that the time has come to move on. If the Reds manage to secure the fresh investment promised by managing director Christian Purslow, the decision could even be taken out of his hands.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: Juventus have been linked with a move for Benitez, and with Alberto Zaccheroni installed in Turin only until the summer, the door is likely to open at Stadio Olimpico for the Spaniard, though Real Madrid could also come calling.
Steven GerrardSo often the talisman for Benitez's Liverpool, this season their captain has struggled to lift his head above the parapet of mediocrity behind which the club has cowered this season. Eight goals may be a useful return, but Gerrard knows that he has been below-par.
The England star turns 30 this summer, so knows a move at this stage of his career would be final, but signed a new long-term contract only last year, and is unlikely to risk the dent to his prestige on Merseyside, even if most of Europe's big boys are likely to come calling.
Likelihood of Leaving: 1 out of 5
Likely Destination: Gerrard is likely to be courted by most top Champions League sides, but his reluctance to leave Liverpool should nip any potential interest in the bud. Inter Milan have been linked, and Jose Mourinho was always a fan, but a move to Italy seems fanciful.
Fernando TorresThe Spanish striker's frustration at Wigan on Monday night was plain for all to see. A succession of missed chances was followed by a petulant booking, as Torres was left seething by his side's lethargy.
The 25-year-old has been quick to stress his emotional allegiances to Liverpool, in the wake of several stories linking him with a move elsewhere, but the future of Liverpool's prized asset could be out of his hands should a club with the resources of Manchester City arrive at Anfield with a lorry-load of cash.
Likelihood of Leaving: 2.5 out of 5
Likely Destination: Manchester City would appear to be the obvious choice. They have the resources to tempt Liverpool to part with their prized asset (if the Reds require £100 million-worth of fresh investment, City could offer exactly that, for example), and if they are the ones to pip Liverpool to fourth spot this season, they will be able to offer Torres the Champions League stage on which to showcase his ample talents. Barcelona could also swoop for Torres should the opportunity arise. The Spaniard who grew up supporting Atletico Madrid would never don the white shirt of Real Madrid but has admitted a liking for the Catalans.
Javier MascheranoThe Argentina captain has had as mixed a season as any. Two red cards and the subsequent suspensions have hardly helped Liverpool's cause, but Mascherano's form since his return from suspension has been excellent, and his versatility in evidence as he has deputised admirably at right-back.
He was linked strongly with a move to Barcelona in the summer, and the stories appeared to unsettle the South American. And, despite stories suggesting a new deal at Anfield is imminent, expect those stories to resurface again quickly.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: Barcelona would welcome the Argentine's dynamism and passion, a perfect foil for the class of Xavi and Iniesta. Manchester City could afford Mascherano, but is Eastlands a big enough stage for Argentina's captain?
Alberto AquilaniSeen by some as the white elephant of Liverpool's season, the Italian has found himself a permanent substitute in recent weeks, marginalised by the more prosaic Lucas Leiva.
Fitness problems have played their part, and Benitez has been quick to publicly defend his £17 million acquisition, but the former Roma man has looked off the pace in Premier League combat - despite a useful cameo at Wigan - and could head back to Serie A in the summer.
Likelihood of Leaving: 3 out of 5
Likely Destination: Hard to say. Few sides would be willing to offer cash-back on the £17m paid to Roma last summer, but Aquilani has a good reputation in Europe, and in Serie A especially. An initial return to his homeland, perhaps on loan, could be the answer, especially if Benitez leaves.
Albert RieraInitially viewed as one of Benitez's successes, the former Espanyol man has found himself planted amongst the failures this season, after a stop-start campaign.
Riera perhaps more than most symbolises the infuriating nature of the wide player at Anfield, veering from exceptional to abysmal in the space of one half of football. Benitez appears to have lost patience with the 27-year-old, who has not featured in any of the last four matches.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: In a word, Spain. The former Manchester City man is an international, who could well be at this summer's World Cup - though that is unlikely on current form - and would have no shortage of suitors if he were to leave Anfield. The likes of Atletico Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna or Villarreal would all be sniffing around, surely.
Ryan BabelIf ever a figure was needed to highlight inconsistency, Ryan Babel is that man. The Dutchman has long promised to be the incisive, pacy force round which Liverpool can build their attack, but has failed to find any kind of rhythm since a promising debut campaign on Merseyside.
The former Ajax star was heavily linked with a move away in January, but Benitez has recently said that the 23-year-old remains part of his plans. Yet despite a series of encouraging displays in February, Babel is back on the bench and may finally lose patience.
Likelihood of Leaving: 4 out of 5
Likely Destination: Babel has been linked with plenty of clubs, including Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. Both would appear likely, cash-laden clubs who would be prepared to make the Dutchman a focal point. Other Premier League clubs may not take a chance on the enigmatic star.
Fabio AurelioThe Brazilian is another who is surely coming to the end of his Anfield career. He was one of the success stories of last season, impressing at left-back with his free-kicks and composed defending, but is horrendously injury-prone, and has been unable to nail down a permanent place as a result.
Is yet to sign a new contract at the club, and such a deal is hard to justify on this season's evidence.
Likelihood of Leaving: 5 out of 5
Likely Destination: Back to Brazil seems to be en vogue at the moment, though Aurelio has forged his reputation almost exclusively in Europe. Spain would be an option, though at a lesser club than Liverpool certainly. Few top sides would gamble on the 30-year-old's creaking body.
And finally, five who won't be going anywhere...
- Pepe Reina
- Dirk Kuyt
- Daniel Agger
- Glen Johnson
- Emiliano Insua
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