Liverpool set to offload 2 players this summer after Arne Slot refuses to include them with first team in pre-season training: Reports
Liverpool are reportedly set to offload central defenders Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio in the summer transfer window. This is according to The Athletic, who claim that the pair are training with the Under-21s rather than Arne Slot's first team squad (via SPORTbible).
With the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Ibrahima Konate, among others, to compete with, the pair are barely getting a look in. Both players have seen limited game time for the Reds, with Williams making 19 appearances across competitions for the club thus far.
According to this report, the 23-year-old has attracted interest from Turkey, while some League One outfits are also said to be looking at the defender. A move away from Anfield will suit Williams, who needs to be playing regularly.
Meanwhile, Koumetio has also suffered a similar fate, although he is two years younger than Williams. The French centre-back has made just two senior appearances for the Merseyside outfit across competitions.
However, even the 21-year-old is said to have suitors, with clubs in France and Scotland wishing to secure his services. Koumetio and Williams are well down the pecking order, with other youngsters like Jarrell Quansah and Sepp van der Berg ahead of the duo.
Liverpool would like to get their central defensive situation in place before their first Premier League match against Ipswich Town on August 17.
Liverpool receive massive boost with key defender ready to sign extension - Reports
There has been some uncertainty around the future of Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, who has entered the final year of his deal at Anfield. As a result, the Netherlands international was being linked with a move away to Saudi Arabia this summer.
However, there seems to be a reprieve for the Reds fans, as HITC reports that the centre-back wants to sign an extension to his deal in Merseyside (via Liverpool Echo). This decision seems to be in line with new boss Arne Slot, who, according to this report, has clarified that he wants Van Dijk to stay at the club.
Although 33 years old, the Dutchman is considered among the best defenders in the Premier League. Until now, Van Dijk has made 270 appearances across competitions at Anfield, bagging 23 goals and 12 assists. He has won the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League once each, among other honors with Liverpool.