Liverpool Transfer Rumours: 5 Players That Could Leave This Summer

It has certainly been an eventful first full season for Kenny Dalglish's second coming as Liverpool manager. A campaign that promised so much looks like it's ending with more questions than answers.

At times brilliant, Liverpool are definitely not short in quality on paper, but putting that into action on the pitch has been a difficult transition.

Even a Carling Cup win on Sunday will not keep the fans at bay for too long, especially if they finish outside the top six.

It was always going to be a transitional period post Rafa Benitez, but there has been plenty of money spent for very little reward.

A summer of change is needed if the glory days are to return. Here are five players whose time on Merseyside may well be up.

Jamie Carragher

Before Liverpool fans start going crazy—let me explain.

Carragher has been a magnificent servant for Liverpool Football Club, a marvellous right-back and effective centre-back who has served club and country extremely well.

But there comes a time when better players are available, and at 34-years-old, the Scouser is not getting any younger.

Yes, experience is crucial, but I feel Carragher's talents will be best served as a coach sooner rather than later.

He's only made one league start since October and as one of the club's highest earners, those wages could surely be used better elsewhere.

Dirk Kuyt

Into his sixth season since since his high profile move from Feyenoord, Kuyt came with a huge reputation but has struggled to deliver on a consistent basis.

Too defensive as a striker and too attacking as a midfielder, he has struggled to hold down a specific position during his time at Anfield.

A very useful squad member due to his versatility, it is no surprise that Kuyt's appearances have always been north of 30 each season.

15 goals last season was his best return, but that is in stark contrast to the three (one in the league) he has so far this term.

At 31, the Dutch international still has plenty of sell-on value and a move abroad could free up a useful amount to spend wisely on a better prospect. 

Stewart Downing

Brilliant at Middlesbrough, outstanding at Aston Villa and disappointing at Liverpool—sometimes a move just doesn't work out.

Downing was the most difficult choice in this list as the winger can be unstoppable on his day. But that day has just been too infrequent for the Anfield faithful.

Brought in on a huge fee believed to be around 20 million pounds, the weight of expectation was quite understandably huge.

Unfortunately for the England international, it looks to have affected his confidence, and with boos now coming from certain sections of the crowd during home games, Dalglish has decided to take the 27-year-old out of his starting line-up recently.

That is a worrying sign for Downing with the summer fast approaching. A bid of around 14 million could well test Liverpool's resolve.

Maxi Rodriguez

A highlight reel of Maxi Rodriguez's top Liverpool moments would make great watching. Two hat-tricks and a small collection of stunning goals would leave most fans drooling for more.

Unfortunately, it's what's not on that tape that seems to be the most concerning thing for the Argentinean.

The 31-year-old is yet to complete 90 minutes this season and has only been named in the starting line-up five times.

This begs the question whether Dalglish has seen enough of the winger who was initially brought to the club by Rafa Benitez.

And with the Scot looking to make the squad his own, Rodriguez could well find himself surplus to requirements when the season comes to a close. 

Luis Suarez

His talents on the pitch are unquestionable—in fact, I would rank him as one of the top-five strikers in the league. 

Would I keep him at the club? On a performance basis, certainly. But Luis Suarez's Liverpool future is cloudy to put it mildly.

Everyone is aware of the Evra saga and the ramifications it has had on the club, the player and the fans.

But despite Dalglish's continual support of the Uruguayan, the decision as to whether he starts next season on Merseyside could well be made but the Board.

Has the great history of Liverpool Football Club been tarnished this season? Yes.

Is the damage irreparable? if the owners feel the answer is yes, the only order that will come from above will be to sell Suarez.

By the way, six goals in 22 is hardly prolific!