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How Liverpool missed out on £62.5m in sales for unwanted players

Liverpool confirmed the sales of six players over the course of the summer transfer window, but there had been hopes of more outgoings and, crucially, more money in.

The Reds ended deadline day having sanctioned a further four loan moves as Rhys Williams, Sheyi Ojo, Jake Cain and Luis Longstaff all headed out to temporary homes.

For fans, it was a disappointing end to the window as hopes of a new signing in midfield or attack were dashed, with Ibrahima Konate the sole arrival to the first team.

In a market still hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, many clubs were reluctant to part ways with big fees due to a loss of revenue over the past 18 months, which saw a lot of business left until late in the window.

When it comes to Liverpool, this appears to have affected their ability to secure their full price tag for players considered up for sale.

Six players were sold in the summer transfer window, while five others who were made available either stayed put or ended up on loan, which resulted in the club missing out on £62.5 million on their reported valuations.

2ECF3YJ Dragao Stadium, Porto, Portugal. 13th Feb, 2021. Portuguese Championship Football, FC Porto versus Boa Vista; Marko Grujic of FC Porto chases the through ball Credit: Action Plus Sports/Alamy Live News

Of those sold, the biggest drop in fee received came with Marko Grujic, who was valued at £20 million at the start of the window but ultimately joined Porto for £10.5 million.

Smaller fees were missed with the sales of Harry Wilson, Xherdan Shaqiri and Taiwo Awoniyi, with the trio bringing in a combined £8 million less than their price tags.

Wilson was touted as a £15 million player but left for Fulham in a deal worth £12 million, with the Championship club also not beginning payments for the Wales international until 2022.

When it comes to those who stayed, Liverpool were unable to attract buyers for Nat Phillips (£15m), Divock Origi (£15m), Neco Williams (£10m) and Ojo (£5m) for the prices they hoped to reach.

Phillips, Origi and Williams stayed with the club past the English deadline, with the centre-back even signing a new four-year contract in a strange scenario that played out late on Tuesday.

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - Monday, August 23, 2021: Liverpool's Sheyi Ojo during the Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Everton FC Under-23's and Liverpool FC Under-23's, the Mini-Merseyside Derby, at Haig Avenue. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool’s price tag for Ojo was hopeful to say the least, and now the 24-year-old winger will spend what could be the final year of his contract on loan with Millwall in the Championship.

This mooted £62.5 million fee could feasibly be higher, considering Kamil Grabara and Liam Millar were also sold while Loris Karius is still with the club.

It could also be lower, too, given potentially lucrative sell-on clauses were negotiated into a number of deals which could, in theory, be factored into the money ‘lost’ from price tags.

But either way, there was clearly a disparity between the money Liverpool hoped – or expected – to bring in and the money they were actually able to shake hands on.


How Liverpool missed out on £62.5 million

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 9, 2021: Liverpool's Neco Williams applauds the supporters after a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Club Atlético Osasuna at Anfield. Liverpool won 3-1. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Harry Wilson – sold to Fulham, £12m – club wanted £15m – £3m
Marko Grujic – sold to Porto, £10.5m – club wanted £20m – £9.5m
Xherdan Shaqiri – sold to Lyon, £9.5m – club wanted £13m – £3.5m
Taiwo Awoniyi – sold to Union Berlin, £6.5m – club wanted £8m – £1.5m
Nat Phillips – stayed – club wanted £15m – £15m
Neco Williams – stayed – club wanted £10m – £10m
Divock Origi – stayed – club wanted £15m – £15m
Sheyi Ojo – loaned to Millwall – club wanted £5m – £5m

TOTAL: £62.5m

Others: Kamil Grabara (sold, £3m), Liam Millar (sold, £1.3m), Loris Karius (stayed)