Liverpool to consider trio of exits as Arne Slot makes transfer decision

Liverpool could sanction the loan departures of youngsters Lewis Koumas, James McConnell and Kaide Gordon.

Arne Slot has enjoyed a busy summer transfer window, as Liverpool continue to pursue Alexander Isak.

The Newcastle striker’s exploits in the North East prove that he would further bolster the Reds’ attack, even after the addition of Hugo Ekitike.

Ekitike enjoyed a successful Premier League debut, scoring the first goal of the evening as Liverpool beat Bournemouth 4-2 on Friday, 15 August.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot against a back drop of Anfield.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media

Liverpool consider McConnell, Koumas and Gordon loan exits

Liverpool have sold Ben Doak to Bournemouth, showing that Slot is not afraid to part company with young talents.

Meanwhile, The Athletic revealed on Tuesday, 19 August, that the Reds are considering loan approaches for Gordon, Koumas and McConnell.

The report adds that Koumas has been eyed by Championship sides Sheffield United, Hull City, Wrexham, and Preston North End.

McConnell has been eyed by West Brom, Oxford United, Hull, and Austrian outfit Sturm Graz, whereas Gordon has attracted interest from Swansea City and Derby County.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot, arms folded, on the Anfield touch line.
Credit: Imago

Slot should let young trio depart on loan

Football Insider verdict

While Slot has his sights set on guiding Liverpool to their second Premier League title in as many seasons, he must also continue developing his club’s young talents.

With that in mind, facilitating the loan exits of Gordon, Koumas, and McConnell is the right course of action to take.

McConnell made a Champions League appearance for the Anfield giants last season, but the 20-year-old midfielder has still made just 13 senior outings for Slot’s men.

OpponentResult
Newcastle (A)25/08
Arsenal (H)31/08
Burnley (A)14/09
Liverpool face Newcastle next

Meanwhile, winger Koumas showed his class by notching six goals and three assists on loan with Stoke City last term.

His exploits for the Potters show that he is better suited to returning to the Championship this season, rather than battling for Premier League game time.

Contrastingly, Gordon failed to make a major impact while on loan with either Norwich City or Portsmouth last campaign, and still needs to prove his worth in the second tier.

Elsewhere, Italian journalist Luca Bortolotti has analysed what Giovanni Leoni can bring to Anfield in a Liverpool News 247 exclusive.