3 weeks ago
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Liverpool parted ways with six pivotal figures from the Jurgen Klopp era in 2023, including a $54 million deadline day exit, foreshadowing the conclusion of the German's stewardship.
The Reds haven't glanced backwards since Klopp departed Merseyside, making way for Arne Slot, who secured the Premier League crown in his debut campaign. Acknowledging his reluctance to manage Liverpool while operating on "three wheels," the legendary Klopp revealed his intention to bid Anfield farewell in January 2024, ultimately doing so at the conclusion of the 2023/24 season.
However, certain transfer activity in the preceding summer clearly indicated a new chapter was beginning. Key architects of Klopp's triumphs, including Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, were offloaded, with numerous players departing without fees to herald a fresh generation under the German's replacement.
The 2023 summer window brought wholesale transformation to Merseyside, with the club's engine room completely restructured and substantial funds invested. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, whose spectacular free kick secured the Reds' Sunday evening victory over Arsenal, joined for $47M and $82M respectively.
Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch also finalised summer moves, though it was those ushered through the exit that truly symbolised fresh starts. Well ahead of the summer deadline, four formerly crucial first-team stalwarts chose to depart the club when their contracts expired.
Roberto Firmino was among the four who departed, signing with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in June. The Brazilian now plies his trade for Qatari outfit Al Sadd.
James Milner, a key squad player under Klopp, also saw out his contract and moved to Brighton in June, where he continues to play. He scored his first goal for the Seagulls on Sunday against Manchester City.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also left on a free transfer, joining Turkish side Besiktas, and is currently without a club. Midfielder Naby Keita, whose Liverpool career was marred by injuries, was the last star to see out his contract, signing for Werder Bremen as a free agent. He now plays for Hungarian team Ferencvaros.
One month later, former Reds skipper Henderson also ended his Liverpool tenure, signalling the dawn of a new era. The Englishman controversially moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq for a reported $16M.
As deadline day loomed, another departure was in the offing. Brazilian defensive midfielder Fabinho also made the move to Saudi Arabia, signing for Al Ittihad in a deal worth $54M.
In total, six crucial players from Klopp's reign left for a combined sum of $70M, with just $54M of that recouped on deadline day. The subsequent arrivals helped lay the groundwork for a new manager to step into the void left by Klopp.
Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have all proven to be invaluable assets for Slot in the early stages of his tenure at Liverpool. The Dutchman, especially, underwent a transformation under Slot last year, adopting a deeper role as a playmaking No. 6.
"I immediately liked it because he was so comfortable on the ball," Slot commented when asked about Klopp's final signing, Gravenberch. "I immediately felt that would be a good asset to have. Then we had to find out during the first games in the season if he was defensively strong enough.
"But he definitely was and I think now is one of the players with the most interceptions and all these kinds of things. That's also a team dynamic, because if the front three don't work enough, it's hard for a six to win the ball back. But he has all the ingredients to play in that position really well."
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