Richard Hughes' Liverpool transfer plan emerges as three defenders could be sold

Liverpool is set for a big summer as the new era gets underway at Anfield. With Arne Slot and Richard Hughes now in place, plans can begin in earnest.

Slot’s reign as head coach officially started at the weekend, with the former Feyenoord boss taking over from the departing Jurgen Klopp. The 45-year-old will be taking a smaller role in club’s the off-field duties compared to his predecessor.

Instead, new sporting director Hughes will do much of the work when it comes to this summer’s transfer business. A new report suggests he will keep himself busy over the next few months.

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According to the Daily Mail, Hughes is expected to look for ‘significant upgrades’ to the players already in place at Anfield. In order to balance the books, he would be willing to trade fringe players.

One such player that could make way is Sepp van den Berg. The 22-year-old has made it clear he wants to leave Liverpool this summer, having spent most of his time at Anfield out on loan.

The Mail suggests Wolfsburg has emerged as an early frontrunner for Van den Berg. The Bundesliga side is expected to lose center-back Maxence Lacroix this summer, and is working to find a replacement.

Van den Berg might not be the only defender to make way. The report also suggests offers are expected from Saudi Arabia for Joe Gomez, while Nat Phillips will likely be sold.

With Joel Matip having departed at the end of his contract, Liverpool will on the lookout for a new defender to bolster the ranks. The Reds are said to ‘admire’ Lille star Leny Yoro, who is valued at around $64m (£50m/€59m), according to the Mail, although with just a year remaining on his contract in France, he could be secured for much less.

Liverpool.com says: It could be a summer of real change for Liverpool, and not just with the coaching staff. As we enter the new era, it makes sense that nothing would be off the table.

Certainly, Van den Berg’s departure makes sense, especially now he has declared he wants a move in no uncertain terms. A transfer for Gomez would be much more of a surprise given how versatile an option he is, but at the same time he doesn’t look likely to emerge as a first-choice in any position, especially with the emergence of Jarell Quansah over the past year.

It will be interesting to see just who stays and goes this summer, and how ruthless Hughes might be with the squad.