Liverpool are quietly strengthening their squad for the 2025/26 season following a successful first campaign under Slot, which ended in Premier League glory. As part of a mini rebuild, several players have left, while key additions like Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez have arrived.
Interestingly, many of those making way were once handed their Liverpool debuts by Jürgen Klopp, signaling the gradual close of an era.
Here are seven academy graduates who were handed their Liverpool debuts by Klopp, but have since been sold under Arne Slot.
7 Liverpool Debutants Under Klopp Sold Under Arne Slot
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold didn’t just break into Liverpool’s first team; he became the face of their modern success story. Debuting in October 2016, he went on to make over 350 appearances, winning everything from the Champions League to two Premier League titles.
However, the end of his Liverpool story came under Slot. Though he played a pivotal role in the Dutchman’s first season, Alexander-Arnold announced he would leave after his contract expired. Real Madrid swooped in early, paying €10 million to land him ahead of the Club World Cup.
His departure was met with mixed emotions. Klopp, ever the defender of his players, publicly criticised fans who booed the right-back’s decision. “This isn’t us,” he said. “Don’t forget what he’s done for this club.”
2. Jarell Quansah
Quansah made his Liverpool bow in August 2023 following a promising loan at Bristol Rovers. He quickly earned the trust of Klopp, featuring 32 times in the German’s final season.
Yet under Slot, Quansah’s minutes dwindled. Despite the departure of Joel Matip, the new boss preferred the more experienced duo of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Eventually, Quansah was sold to Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool, however, didn’t completely close the door. A €60 million release clause active from 2027 hints at the club’s continued belief in his long-term potential.
3. Caoimhin Kelleher
Kelleher patiently served as Alisson’s deputy for years, earning plaudits as arguably the best reserve keeper in the Premier League. His performances in cup competitions, especially Liverpool’s League Cup triumphs, made him a cult favourite.
An injury to Alisson during Slot’s first campaign gave Kelleher a chance to shine in the Premier League. And shine he did.
But with Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving from Valencia, Liverpool faced a choice. Rather than stifle Kelleher’s ambitions, they let him join Brentford, where he could finally be a No.1.
4. Nathaniel Phillips
Signed for the youth team in 2016, Phillips’ name is etched in the memories of Liverpool fans for one reason: 2020-21. Amid an injury crisis, he stepped up and helped secure Champions League qualification, even pulling off a memorable Cruyff turn at the San Siro.
But that magical run was never followed by consistent minutes. By the time Slot arrived Phillips had already spent time out on multiple loans. His sixth at Derby County was his last before a permanent move to West Brom.
His Liverpool career may not have been filled with glory, but he certainly left with pride.
5. Sepp van den Berg
Though not an academy product in the traditional sense, Van den Berg arrived as a teenage prospect from PEC Zwolle in 2019 and developed within Liverpool’s youth system.
Klopp gave him early opportunities, but it was away from Anfield at Preston, Schalke, and Mainz that he matured into a solid defender. Slot cashed in early, selling him to Brentford for a reported £25 million. A tidy profit for a player who made just a handful of senior appearances in red.
6. Bobby Clark
Bobby Clark’s standout Liverpool moment came at Wembley. As part of Klopp’s youthful lineup in the 2024 League Cup final, he helped outplay a far more expensive Chelsea squad en route to a dramatic extra-time win.
That spark wasn’t enough to secure a place in Slot’s plans. The 20-year-old linked up with former assistant Pep Lijnders at Red Bull Salzburg, where he’s continued his development. With Lijnders now gone, Clark could be on the move again. Southampton are rumoured to be preparing a £10 million bid.
7. Harvey Blair
Harvey Blair’s first-team journey was brief, a 55-minute outing in the League Cup back in 2021. But those who watched the academy closely were well aware of his potential at U18 level.
Still, Blair wasn’t part of the new vision at Anfield. Slot moved him on to Portsmouth in the Championship, where he’s looking to carve out a career of his own. For Liverpool, it was a low-risk, clean break.
