“Homegrown Limit” Could Cause Exodus of Upto Nine Players | OneFootball

Liverpool Exodus: Nine Players Could Leave

Homegrown Limit Poses Selection Dilemma for Slot

Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially confirmed his exit from Liverpool when his contract expires this summer, marking the beginning of what could be a significant exodus from Anfield. However, the England international’s departure is just the tip of the iceberg, with the club bracing for a wave of potential transfers ahead of the 2025/26 season.

As Liverpool transition into a new era under Arne Slot, the future of several first-team players remains uncertain. While not all are expected to depart, the volume of names linked with moves away suggests that the club’s squad will undergo a reshuffle this summer — driven largely by registration rules and squad size restrictions.

Nine Players Under Consideration for Departure

At least nine players from Liverpool’s senior ranks are reportedly on the radar of other clubs. Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, Ibrahima Konaté, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota, and Kostas Tsimikas have all been linked with potential transfers.

Photo IMAGO

There is no indication that Liverpool plan to conduct a mass clearout, but sources close to the club suggest that several high-profile exits are likely to accommodate both financial flexibility and compliance with Premier League registration limits.

With Andy Robertson, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, and Tyler Morton also attracting interest, it’s clear the exodus could extend beyond the initial nine.

Overcrowding and Registration Challenges

Liverpool named a 21-man squad for the second half of the 2024/25 campaign, with only six homegrown players. To meet the Premier League’s squad regulations — which allow a maximum of 17 non-homegrown players — the Reds must either promote from within or clear space.

Removing Alexander-Arnold from the equation leaves Liverpool with just five homegrown players and room for only five new additions, assuming no more than two are non-homegrown. Yet several Under-21 players will no longer qualify for youth exemption next season, including Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Calvin Ramsay, and others.

Photo: IMAGO

“Had he finished the season with former loan club Wigan Athletic instead, he would have accumulated the required three seasons registered with any club affiliated to The Football Association or the Football Association of Wales before his 21st birthday to qualify as homegrown.”

Ramsay’s case highlights how easily squad dynamics can shift. His loan spell at Kilmarnock means he misses out on homegrown status, adding further strain to Liverpool’s registration puzzle.

Loanees Returning to Complicate Numbers

The squad complexity intensifies with the return of senior loanees. Nat Phillips, Rhys Williams, and Owen Beck will all require registration as over-21s. Add in new signing Giorgi Mamardashvili and Liverpool’s list of senior players stretches to 32 — 17 of whom are non-homegrown. Even after filtering out players yet to make a competitive appearance, Liverpool are still left with 28 senior professionals.

“Nat Phillips has claimed his contract expires in 2026 despite suggestions elsewhere,” suggesting even contract lengths remain a point of contention internally.

In effect, Liverpool must trim their squad before they can make meaningful additions. While not every academy graduate will play a key role next season, their upcoming eligibility status forces the club’s hand. A careful balancing act lies ahead for Arne Slot, as Liverpool look to reshape their squad without breaching league limits.

Strategic Summer Ahead

The challenge for Liverpool will be balancing development, registration compliance, and on-pitch competitiveness. While the core of the squad remains strong, the shifting status of fringe and youth players may dictate who stays and who goes.

The exodus is coming — but it won’t be indiscriminate. Expect a measured series of transfers, shaped more by administrative necessity than dramatic overhaul.