This summer may need to be defined by clear-eyed assessment and difficult decisions for Liverpool Football Club.
The club cannot afford another season shaped by sentiment, misplaced optimism, or the expectation that players will suddenly thrive within a system that has struggled to deliver consistent results.
While the suggestion may prove divisive among supporters, Liverpool should at least evaluate the possibility of selling Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo if doing so could significantly support the squad rebuild that appears increasingly necessary.
Beginning with MacAllister, there is no question regarding his technical quality.
However, modern football also demands balance, athleticism, defensive resilience, and sustained influence — areas in which Liverpool’s midfield has too often appeared lacking this season.
The partnership between MacAllister and Ryan Gravenberch has not consistently provided the control or defensive solidity required at the highest level.
Opposition sides have frequently progressed through Liverpool’s midfield with relative ease.
There has often been insufficient defensive pace, physical authority, and protection for the back line.
Although MacAllister has demonstrated moments of considerable quality, he has arguably not imposed himself on matches consistently enough to be regarded as indispensable.
Should Liverpool receive a substantial offer, the club may need to consider whether this is the appropriate moment to make a pragmatic decision.
Attention must also turn to Cody Gakpo.
Expectations surrounding the forward were understandably high, yet his performances have not consistently matched those expectations.
Too often, he has struggled to exert a decisive influence over matches.
Given his physical attributes and technical ability, Liverpool would reasonably expect greater consistency and end product from a player operating in attacking areas.
Liverpool require forwards capable of unsettling defenders, attacking space with conviction, and regularly determining important matches.
Gakpo has undoubtedly shown flashes of quality, but isolated moments may no longer be sufficient for a side seeking to return to the highest level.
Particularly when the squad appears to require significant restructuring.
Importantly, both players would likely still command substantial transfer fees.
That consideration is highly relevant.
Liverpool’s squad appears to require:
- A dominant defensive midfielder
- Greater pace in attack
- Increased physicality
- Improved athleticism
- Enhanced tactical flexibility
- And more genuine match-winning quality
Elite clubs are often distinguished by their willingness to sell players at peak market value in order to strengthen the squad more effectively overall.
That was previously one of Liverpool’s greatest strengths under Michael Edwards.
This is not intended as a direct criticism of either MacAllister or Gakpo individually.
The tactical structure under Arne Slot has not consistently enabled several players to perform at their best.
Nevertheless, Liverpool may eventually need to move beyond assembling technically proficient players alone and instead prioritise building a side capable of competing physically and athletically at the highest level once again.
At present, the team too often appears vulnerable and comparatively easy to play against.
Supporters may understandably disagree with such suggestions.
However, significant rebuilds frequently require difficult and unpopular decisions.
If selling MacAllister and Gakpo could help finance the aggressive rebuild Liverpool may now require, then it is arguably a discussion the club should seriously consider this summer.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Gakpo should be given away free. He is bloody useless.