Liverpool FC News: Four players who could be SACRIFICED by FSG to stave off financial black hole

Following recent reports of financial instability at the club, things are no longer quite so rosy and positive.

Arne Slot's side might be bossing it in the Premier League and Champions League, but under the surface, Liverpool's situation is pretty dark and gloomy.

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According to the latest financial report from OffThePitch, Liverpool are set for a record operating loss of €110.8million, the worst result in the club's history, surpassing the €104.7million loss reported in 2011 - the year after Fenway Sports Group (FSG) bought the club.

This is predominantly the result of the team's failure to qualify for the Champions League in 2022/23, however rising expenses - including players' wages, travel costs and player amortisation - are on track to soar.

While the club's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) remain positive, as it has done since 2008, this year's figure of €51.5million is significantly down on the 2022/23 figure of €96.1million.

In addition, the club's earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), which focuses more on player arrivals and departures from the club - after an estimated profit of €49.5million from the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, the club still has an operating loss of €61.3million, the fourth loss in the last five years.

As such, the recent autopsy into the club's finances shows a situation that is in stark contrast to the club's success on the pitch, and the failures behind the scenes from FSG could have a direct impact on Arne Slot's available resources.

Four players to be sacrificed for financial parity

One potential asset Liverpool could use to get out of this situation is to utilise their 'hidden value'.

Using OffThePitch's 'Hidden Value Tool' four players can be identified to have an unrealised gain of €50m or more, which if sold, could retrieve the club from financial hardship.

These are Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harvey Elliott.

All four important assets of Liverpool's first team when they are fit and would likely sell on for substantial transfer fees if Liverpool were to let them go.

But that is where the crux of the issue lies. Would the team's on-field performance be able to negate the loss of such talented players to risk rescuing FSG's financial problems?

The squad has already proved to be competitive this season, as it was last season, and while Elliott is yet to feature for the Reds this season, constantly being hindered by injuries, the others have had a significant impact.

Alexander-Arnold is at risk of leaving this season anyway because of his own personal issue with FSG as his contract is yet to be renewed, but as one of the most unique players in world football, he would be a huge loss for the club.

Mac Allister is incredibly versatile in midfield and his impact within the team is often very understated, doing the dirty work and often getting little credit - although his value to the team is massive.

And then we come to Diaz, who is on track to have his best season in a Liverpool shirt this campaign, delivering 13 goal contributions for club and country, all while in competition with Cody Gakpo for a role in the side.

Arne Slot's coaching abilities have already impressed fans and pundits around the world, so it is clear that he's getting the best out of this Liverpool squad.

And there is more to be utilised, with a number of young talents at the club yet to feature this season, after pulling off the remarkable Carabao Cup win for ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp's injury-ravished team.

Every player who feats for the Reds gives their all, and Liverpool could certainly survive if more young players needed to be brought in to cover some senior losses in order to sort out the club's finances.

But would the team stay competitive? That's the question. FSG will have to balance all of these considerations in the upcoming months as they attempt to dig themselves out of the hole they created.

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