Liverpool's summer of transformation under Andoni Iraola hasn't just been about who's arriving at Anfield, but it's raised real questions about who stays involved once the 2026/27 season gets underway.
Beyond the standard squad players linked with moves away, a surprising number of key Liverpool starters find themselves on surprisingly shaky ground this transfer window.
New signings have added fresh competition in key areas, a change of manager brings a change of tactical priorities, and even proven performers aren't immune to a shift in the pecking order.
None of these are squad fillers, they're established Liverpool players.
But that hasn't stopped their long-term futures from becoming a genuine talking point heading into 2026/27.
Rush the Kop assess who's future are in doubt on Merseyside.
1. Cody Gakpo: proven quality facing a crowded attack
Cody Gakpo's underlying numbers tell a very different story to the surface-level frustration around his 2025/26 season.
Seven goals from 36 Premier League appearances represented his lowest return at Anfield, but he still ranked among Europe's most dangerous wide forwards for finding scoring positions and was inside the top 10 for open-play shots and chances created, and in the 98th percentile for shot frequency among positional peers.
The dutchman was caught offside more than any other Premier League player last season, a sign of just how relentlessly he attacks the space in behind rather than simply receiving to feet.
That profile matters under Iraola, whose system demands vertical, front-footed patterns of play and wide players willing to occupy dangerous central areas.
At 6ft 4in, Gakpo also offers something few of Liverpool's other attackers can: genuine aerial presence, giving Iraola a route against low blocks through diagonal balls or back-post crosses. His versatility to play through the middle as well as from the left only strengthens his case.
Even so, the competition is real. With Iraola reportedly chasing Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye, and Rio Ngumoha, Federico Chiesa, Victor Munoz and Lewis Koumas all pushing for minutes, Gakpo can't simply rely on reputation.
Tottenham's interest, built around his ability to drop between the lines and link play, much like Roberto De Zerbi wants from his centre-forward, shows exactly how highly his tactical intelligence is regarded elsewhere.
Whether he fits into Iraola's evolving front line off the back of a relatively poor season or becomes surplus to requirements could define his Anfield future.
2. Jeremie Frimpong: A make-or-break season at right-back
Signed as Trent Alexander-Arnold's long-term successor, Frimpong arrived with huge expectations after a standout campaign at Bayer Leverkusen.
Instead, his first year under Arne Slot was largely a struggle where he looked shaky defensively, exposed in one-on-ones against elite wingers, and short of the attacking output that made him such an exciting signing.
With Liverpool reportedly reluctant to invest in further defensive cover and Conor Bradley, the only senior alternative, currently injured, Frimpong now has a genuine opportunity to nail down the role.
But his lack of physical presence remains a concern, and a slow start could see Bradley reclaim the shirt as soon as he becomes fit, or Joe Gomez rotated in for extra solidity.
He could be utilised as another wing option if Liverpool were to bring in another right-back option such as Djed Spence, but with the sheer scale of winger depth Liverpool are adding to their ranks this summer in a bid to replace Mohamed Salah, that would surely limit his involvement to substitute appearances.
Another underwhelming year could realistically end with Frimpong heading back to the Bundesliga.
3. Federico Chiesa: A fresh start to reignite his career
Chiesa's Liverpool story so far has been one of promise undercut by opportunity.
Restricted to just 400 Premier League minutes last season, he still managed three goal contributions, a better rate than Gakpo, and flashed his quality when given the chance.
Iraola's arrival, and his demand for an aggressive, relentless press, could suit Chiesa perfectly and offer the fresh start he needs.
Pre-season has already shown glimpses, including a goal against Sunderland from a slick moveinvolving Calvin Ramsay.
But with Serie A interest lingering, another season on the periphery would likely be enough to convince Chiesa his future lies elsewhere.
4. Alexis Mac Allister: World Cup final to fighting for his place
A World Cup winner's medal with Argentina usually buys a player unquestioned status and a guaranteed spot on the team sheet.
Yet, following a distinctly underwhelming 2025/26 campaign, Alexis Mac Allister finds himself in the unfamiliar position of having to fight to retain his starting place in Liverpool's midfield.
He often looked a step off the pace in midfield, struggling physically in a way that marked a clear decline from previous seasons.
His talent isn't in question, and a return to his old pressing intensity coupled with composure on the ball under Iraola would silence any doubts.
But in a crowded midfield featuring Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Trey Nyoni and Stefan Bajcetic, a poor campaign could see him make way for the club's rising talents.
5. Curtis Jones: contract talks add urgency to his breakthrough
Long considered a talented squad option rather than a guaranteed starter, Curtis Jones now finds himself at a genuine crossroads.
The 25-year-old has the aggression and box-to-box qualities to thrive in Iraola's system, but pre-season has shown the inconsistency that has held him back, including a mistimed challenge and a lapse in pressing that contributed to a goal conceded against Leeds.
With his contract running down to 2027, this season carries extra weight.
A strong campaign could earn him a new deal, while continued inconsistency, particularly with Mac Allister and Nyoni also in the mix, could see his Anfield career wind down instead.
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