With the international break coming to a close, the two-week pause in club football has allowed for a time of reflection among Liverpool fans.
Upon the Reds’ return to action against Watford this weekend, it marks the start of a season-defining period for Jurgen Klopp’s side as the team look to compete for three more major honours. Added to Liverpool ’s quest for the quadruple are growing questions related to the transfer market as the countdown towards the summer transfer window continues to tick down.
To discuss all things Liverpool, the ECHO’s Paul Gorst answered questions in a live Q+A earlier today and here is what was said.
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SMagic1606: Hello, with all of the talk surrounding the front three’s contracts, the contract status of others in the squad have gone slightly under the radar. Are there any updates on Keita, Milner and Ox’s future at all? Or is it likely they will all be moved on for someone else? That squad depth may be starting to look fairly shallow again with all of the talk of player sales.
Paul Gorst: Nothing concrete on the future of all three midfielders but I don't expect Liverpool to lose them all. Klopp confirmed a few weeks ago that would like to keep Milner at the club but talks had not taken place at that time, despite reports. Clearly a key figure within the group, what happens next is likely to be his call if Klopp is so keen to keep him.
StrawberryFields: Hi Paul, if Mo is to leave and I hope he stays, but if he was to leave could the club get a world record fee for him ? Rewind to 1987 Rushie was going with his money we got Aldo, John Barnes, Beardsley and Ray Houghton to make us a better team. Same thing again, sell Mo and get some top quality players to make the team even better.
Paul Gorst: I don't see Liverpool getting above the £200m PSG paid for Neymar for a player who will be 30 and into the final year of his contract. Personally, I think Liverpool need to move heaven and earth to keep him at the club for the next few years.
JacobG: Hi Paul, with Anfield Road Stand currently in construction as a Phase 2 of Stadium expansion do you believe there could be any potential further expansion plans in the medium- or long term future?
Paul Gorst: Good question, I was able to speak to Andy Hughes recently, the club's managing director and he said there have been no plans to expand further at the moment but that all the eggs were in the AR expansion as it stands. That does not mean the club will leave Anfield at 61000 when the latest project is complete, but they are not thinking beyond the current construction work. For what it's worth, if they build on the Kop in the future, I think they will find a way to do it.
Meanwhilein: In case Gomez leaves, will FSG again leave us with three defenders or enter the market for a new transfer?
Paul Gorst: I don't think Joe Gomez will be going anywhere. It has not been a great season for him personally, but he is only 24 and a full pre-season schedule will give him the rhythm Klopp thinks he hasn't been able to build up this season. Liverpool do not need to sell every player who does not start every week. Look at the things this squad is trying to achieve in front of our eyes this season.
Daplin1968: Hi Paul, do you think LFC will sign a backup for Trent if Neco Williams leaves in the summer?
Paul Gorst: Interesting one, that. I know there is plenty of praise for how Conor Bradley has developed but the drop off in quality when Alexander-Arnold is not fit is huge, whoever plays in his position. Joe Gomez is a centre-back and James Milner is a centre-mid. That's why I think Trent is probably the Reds' most important player as anyone else who is absent can be covered for to a good enough level. A right-footed Kostas Tsimikas would be perfect, wouldn't it?
