Liverpool transfers: Squad depth FEARS realised after early-season hammering

A number of Liverpool youngsters could be on their way out of the club after being left out of the Under-21 side that suffered a heavy defeat to PSV last night.

Coach Barry Lewtas was without Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, James McConnell, Stefan Bajcetic, Calum Scanlon, Marcelo Pitaluga and Harvey Blair for the 4-0 loss, with rumours that they could be on the way out of the club either on loan or permanently before next Friday's transfer deadline.

READ MORE: Every completed signing and done deal for the 2024 summer window

According to David Lynch, a fee has already been agreed with Portsmouth for Blair, who impressed during pre-season.

If all of these prospects are to leave Liverpool this year, it will not only weaken the U21 side but also could hamper the first team's chances of competing across four competitions this year.

Trey Nyoni is another player who coach Barry Lewtas would have liked to have available, but the 17-year-old impressed Arne Slot in pre-season and has been heavily involved with the first team.

With Bobby Clark and Sepp van den Berg on their way out of the club, and rumours also swirling around the futures of Tyler Morton and Owen Beck, squad depth could be an issue if injuries occur in key positions.

CARABAO CUP HEROES

A number of Liverpool's academy players were crucial in last season's Carabao Cup win, stepping up during an injury crisis that had left Jürgen Klopp's squad threadbare during the winter period.

Clark, McConnell and Jayden Danns all came on in the closing stages of the final against Chelsea, with extra time looming over both teams.

While Chelsea could call on high-profile players Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Christoper Nkunku – who cost approximately £169m in transfer fees – Klopp turned to academy prospects to get his team over the line, and they did not disappoint.

Danns was another player linked with a loan move this summer, but will be sidelined for two months with a back issue.

Sporting Director Richard Hughes has a lot on his plate this summer, with the futures of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold at the forefront of fan's minds.

He will be hoping to finalise and outgoings as soon as possible to switch his focus to bringing reinforcements into the club as well as tying down Liverpool's stars before they can speak to other clubs in January.