Liverpool must sell these two players to kickstart their summer business – Opinion

Liverpool must sell these two players to kickstart their summer business – Opinion Liverpool Must Be Ruthless With Elliott and Chiesa This Summer Sentiment Cannot Stand in the Way of Liverpool’s Rebuild Liverpool’s summer rebuild cannot be based upon sentiment. It has to be based upon what Andoni Iraola needs to transform this team back into genuine Premier League and Champions League contenders. Every player must fit the identity the new head coach wants to create, and if they do not, difficult decisions must be made. Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa fall firmly into that category, regrettably. Elliott returns to Anfield following a disappointing loan spell at Aston Villa, where he struggled to convince Unai Emery that he could become a regular starter, let alone a backup. His return has understandably led some supporters to believe he deserves another opportunity under Iraola, especially with a new coaching staff now in place. I simply do not see it; that time has passed, and his tenure should follow suit. Photo: IMAGO Elliott possesses outstanding technical quality and a wonderful left foot, but modern football at the elite level demands far more than technical ability alone, especially under a new manager. Iraola’s teams are built upon relentless pressing, athleticism, recovery runs and explosive transitions. Every player must cover huge distances, win duels and possess the physical capacity to play at an extraordinary tempo. Unfortunately, Elliott lacks too many of those attributes, and he would quickly fall into another club’s shadows. His size limits him in physical battles, his pace is not at the level Liverpool require, and he rarely offers the power needed to dominate Premier League opponents. That is not a criticism of his commitment because his attitude has always been excellent, with a warm affection evident between him and the fanbase It is simply a question of suitability. Likewise, Federico Chiesa has reached a stage where reputation outweighs reality. Photo: IMAGO The Italian international arrived with enormous pedigree, but injuries have prevented him from ever reproducing the explosive football that once made him one of Europe’s most feared wide players. At 28 years of age, it feels increasingly likely that the player Liverpool hoped they had signed is no longer the player capable of performing week after week. His willingness has never been questioned. His body simply cannot deliver what his mind still demands. Sales Can Fund the Next Great Liverpool Side Liverpool are not simply looking to improve one or two positions. This is a squad rebuild. A starting right winger is required to replace Mohamed Salah. Two energetic central midfielders are needed to restore aggression and intensity. A first-choice right-back must arrive, while another centre-back is essential as Liverpool continue planning for both the present and the future. Every pound matters. If Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes can generate around £25 million for Harvey Elliott and approximately £15 million for Federico Chiesa, that £40 million immediately becomes a significant contribution towards Liverpool’s recruitment plans. The once expected arrival of Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee close to £100 million would have represented the biggest investment of the summer and the first major step towards rebuilding Liverpool’s attack, yet now the likes of Rayan must be explored. Sales such as Elliott and Chiesa help make those ambitions achievable without placing unnecessary financial pressure on the club. Liverpool cannot afford to carry players simply because they are popular. They must carry players capable of executing Iraola’s demanding football. The new manager deserves a squad assembled specifically for his ideas rather than one inherited from previous regimes. That means making difficult decisions, even when supporters have affection for individuals who have served the club professionally. This summer will shape Liverpool’s direction for years to come. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have already shown throughout their careers that they are prepared to make unpopular calls when they believe it benefits the club. This should be no different. If Elliott and Chiesa no longer fit the vision, then Liverpool should thank them for their service, secure respectable transfer fees and reinvest every penny into building a younger, faster, stronger and more aggressive side. That is how great teams evolve. And this summer must be the one where Liverpool get almost every major decision right.