Even with the 2026 World Cup in full flight, that has not stopped clubs all over from making moves for new players coming in, and accepting bids to send others packing.
Such is the power of the summer transfer window, that it can transcend even the biggest tournament in the sport. The business of getting better never ends, so it only makes sense clubs want to get deals done as soon as they can, in some cases, to avoid the 'played well for their country at the World Cup' tax.
With that in mind, there are several players currently contracted to Liverpool who have been at least modestly linked with rumors away this summer.
In this piece, we are going to highlight some of the most notable players on that list and make a case for selling them and for keeping them at Anfield. Let's begin.
Curtis Jones
Case for Selling Curtis Jones
We start with one of the few remaining long-term players from the Jurgen Klopp era. Jones has been a rock solid member of the Liverpool squad for years now, but he has never truly pushed his way into irreplaceable status.
He has made 228 appearances across all competitions, with a huge chunk of those being as a super sub, or spot starter. He's played right-back, center midfield, attacking midfield and out wide.
His versatility has been a useful tool for both Klopp and the recently departed Arne Slot.
However, with Inter Milan currently showing a strong interest in the England midfielder, now might be the best chance for the Reds to squeeze out a good return on their investment. Inter are willing to offer somewhere in the region of €20 million, while Liverpool want closer to €30-35 million.
With Jones entering the final year of his contract, it would behoove the club to cash in now and not let yet another player leave on a free transfer upon the expiration of their contract. Work it out with Inter and sell this summer.
Case for keeping Curtis Jones
Interestingly, one of the reasons for keeping Jones is what I mentioned above, his ability and willingness to play in multiple positions.
He is a tidy player on the ball, and I think that is sometimes underrated as well. He wants to carry it forward when he can, which is going to be a good thing in the Andoni Iraola system. He knows the club, its fans and what success feels like here. That is an elite squad option to have.
Speaking on that, not every player can be the superstar. Successful clubs find the balance of stars, to squad players and fringe names. All are needed when you are competing on four fronts every season, so Jones could still have a vital role to play.
Extend his contract by a few years, give him a few more guaranteed starts across the board, and it should be a win-win for all involved.
Alexis Mac Allister
Case for selling Alexis Mac Allister
This is an interesting one as Macca had established himself as a 'no-sell' player going into last season. However, his performances trailed off and he did not look like the player we had seen during his first two campaigns with Liverpool.
He is still in the prime of his career, and with Real Madrid among others eyeing his services, now could be the best opportunity to be proactive and not wait for a further plateauing.
If he shines at the World Cup with Argentina, that would surely rocket his price up, which could be a big financial windfall for the Reds. This idea centers mostly on the financial side of things, as I think he will bounce back under Iraola.
However, if an enticing offer comes in, they have to consider it.
Case for keeping Alexis Mac Allister
Again, at 27, he is in his peak years as a top-class midfielder. I put a lot of the blame for his indifferent 2025/26 season on Arne Slot and the failing system around Mac Allister.
At times, he was shackled and looked confused as to what his true role was supposed to be. If Iraola can bring clarity back to the engine room, Mac Allister has all the tools in his bag to thrive in the transition style the Spaniard wants to deploy.
I still think he is a very good player, and as evidenced by his strong showing in Argentina's World Cup opener, in a healthy environment, he will shine once again.
The only thing that could get me convinced to sell him is a larger than expected number. Otherwise, he should have a role to play and will be eager to attack the new campaign under fresh pretenses.
Federico Chiesa
Caase for selling Federico Chiesa
It is looking more and more likely that the Italy international will be departing Liverpool this summer.
His first two seasons at Anfield were largely spent on the treatment table or the bench. Even when fit, Slot was simply not a fan of his game and consistently chose other options, or brought Chiesa on in the 88th minute when games were all but dead.
He has scored some big goals for the club to be fair. The League Cup final defeat to Newcastle, the winner against Bournemouth to start this season and more.
However, he has not been used to the best of his ability and there is no certainty he will be going forward. There are multiple Italian clubs that are open to bringing him home, so Liverpool could get some kind of mini bidding war going. A €20-25 million should be enough to move him on.
I see him as a cheaper Darwin Nunez in a sense. Flashes of brilliance, but never able to sustain it for a variety of reasons.
Case for keeping Federico Chiesa
The departure of Mohamed Salah has left a big hole in the attack. Now, while the club are actively working to fill the void with Yan Diomande, retaining the services of Chiesa would be ideal as well.
I still think he is a very talented player and can contribute meaningfully in big matches when given the proper chance to do so. He's not making an enormous weekly wage, so his value could still be elevated with a strong season under Iraola.
The departure of Slot is key here, as it was evident the Dutchman never trusted Fede, to his detriment in my view. If Iraola can push the right buttons, it is not out of the realm of possibility that Chiesa has another big season in him.
Bring in Diomande, keep Chiesa and you have secured the right side of the attack for at least the next few seasons. That is the kind of move that helps you win trophies, not just compete for Top 4.
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