It was a Liverpool team that had already won the Premier League that traveled to the resort town of Brighton for the penultimate game of the season. – Harvey Elliott who got the start quickly equalized by putting in the first goal of the game already after 9 minutes.
Monday’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion will have been the last for Harvey Elliot as Liverpool plays.
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Liverpool lost 3-2 to Brighton despite leading twice, but Elliott still managed to both score and provide an assist.
Manager Arne Slot gave the attacker his second Premier League start this season, and the limited playing time has led to speculation that he could leave Anfield in the summer.
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Elliott spoke after the Brighton game, but was vague about his future. Transfer expert David Lynch thought he was hinting at a possible exit when he told Sports Mole:
“There is a noticeable change in tone. A few weeks ago, he sounded like someone who wanted to stay and fight, so it’s interesting that things seem to have changed.
“I wonder if there have been conversations behind the scenes and an acknowledgement that the chances still won’t come next season, especially with the reinforcements Liverpool will bring. A departure seems likely after these statements, and it is sad if it happens. But it makes sense for both the club and himself – at his age, it’s probably best to go and get playing time.
“Liverpool simply can’t give Elliott the game time he needs to reach his full potential, so it points towards an exit. They will ask for a substantial sum, for they know how good he is. He may not quite fit into this team, but he is an incredibly young player, so he will not be cheap.
In the past, Elliott has expressed a desire to stay at Liverpool, as he is a lifelong supporter. But with limited trust from Slot, it wouldn’t be surprising if he seeks new challenges.
Liverpool also paid attention to their legendary goalkeeper Pepe Reina who played over 400 games for the club.
Who else can disappear?
Centre-back Jarell Quansah also started against Brighton, but it was only his fourth Premier League start this season – two of which came after the title had already been secured.
The 22-year-old has struggled to establish himself ahead of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, and would probably be fourth choice behind Joe Gomez if the latter had not suffered a serious injury.
Lynch believed Quansah will have more interested parties, but stressed that the timing of any bids will be crucial:
“There is definitely interest in him, which gives Liverpool a choice. My understanding is that the player himself is open to a possible change.
“Liverpool can make a profit on him in the PSR accounts, he is not high on the manager’s priority list, and there is interest – all of this points to a sale.
“But a lot depends on what signings they manage to make. It makes no sense to let Quansah go without compensation, or to sell Elliott without having someone to take his role. They must also avoid too many simultaneous departures.
If Gomez is sold, it will be difficult to justify letting Quansah leave, as they will then have to replace two defenders while also needing new right-backs, left-backs and attacking reinforcements.
Also Chiesa’s future is uncertain
Slot used Federico Chiesa up top against Brighton – the Italian’s first Premier League start this season.
The 27-year-old was the club’s only summer signing, but has been linked with a return to Italy, and it’s hard to see him in the squad for the title defence.
Lynch told Sports Mole:
“I saw Slot’s statements that Chiesa might have a future at Liverpool, but I don’t believe it. He can’t want another season on the bench. He has been injury-free for a long time without playing – he can’t get into either the left or right wing. He finally got his first start yesterday, but it was as a central striker, a position Liverpool are sure to strengthen in the summer.
“Slot prefers other options, and Chiesa has not impressed in training. Looking at yesterday’s performance (just one shot, no dribbling, five completed passes and six duel losses), it’s clear why he doesn’t play more.
With limited playing time and little impact, it looks like Chiesa could be on his way out as well.
