“I can’t keep pretending everything is fine. I can’t stay here after Jurgen Klopp’s departure; I need to move on,” declared an ‘exceptional’ Liverpool player, currently not in first-team training under Arne Slot and expected to exit the club.

In recent weeks, Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot has been fully engaged in training sessions, using this time to familiarize himself with his squad and evaluate each player’s potential. Although several key players are absent due to post-tournament recovery, Slot has focused on assessing lesser-seen members of the team, observing which players might align with his vision.

One standout performer has been Sepp van den Berg, a young defender eager to make an impact. Slot’s meticulous approach has given players like van den Berg a chance to show their capabilities, and his arrival may mark a new beginning for those who were previously overlooked. Curtis Jones, for instance, praised the return of Kaide Gordon to first-team training, noting the young talent’s potential to contribute.

As Slot prepares for Liverpool’s upcoming U.S. tour, his choices for the squad are beginning to take shape. Notably, Rhys Williams has been excluded from first-team training, hinting at an uncertain future. This change in leadership could open doors for some players to secure regular playtime, while others, like Williams, may find their roles in flux.

Fabio Carvalho, despite being close to a possible exit, still has a chance to capture Slot’s attention. In contrast, familiar names such as Nat Phillips and Williams, both remembered fondly by fans for their efforts during Liverpool’s injury-hit 2020/21 season, may face departures. The Liverpool ECHO indicates that Phillips and Williams could be nearing the end of their time at Anfield, with Phillips attracting but ultimately rejecting a bid, and Williams’ absence from training suggesting a potential need for a fresh start.

Slot’s preseason assessment could redefine opportunities for Liverpool academy graduates, while players like Williams, who has journeyed through challenging loan spells at Swansea, Blackpool, Aberdeen, and Port Vale, may find that their path forward lies outside Anfield. At 23, Williams is now at a career crossroads, where a new environment might be essential for regaining the consistent playtime necessary for his development.

As Slot’s evaluation continues, it becomes clearer which players will feature in his strategy. For Williams, the prospect of leaving Liverpool may be difficult but could ultimately provide the regular playtime and stability he needs to advance his career.