Liverpool have no shortage of players at the moment but not all of them will be here in a month
Time for Liverpool to Trim the Squad
There are always difficult decisions to make in any summer transfer window. While new faces often dominate headlines, the reality is that departures are just as important—especially for a club trying to balance ambition with sustainability. At Liverpool, the focus has now shifted from who comes in to who must move on.
Some players simply need a change of scenery for their own growth, while others may have to make way so the club can welcome new additions. The Reds have done much of their key business early, but the current net spend is on the high side, and that might need correcting through the sale of a few high-value assets.
Harvey Elliott is among those who could headline Liverpool’s list of departures. The 21-year-old hinted earlier this week that he would “assess” his future before the window shuts, suggesting all is not settled. After a strong summer with England’s U21s, Elliott’s value has soared—reportedly reaching the £50 million mark.
He’s not alone in this uncertain position. Fellow academy graduate Tyler Morton has also returned to the spotlight following another solid loan spell. While both players have impressed in patches, they remain on the fringes of a Liverpool squad packed with experienced midfielders and international-calibre talent.
West Ham Circle for Double Transfer
That’s where West Ham enter the picture. The Hammers have reportedly shown interest in both Elliott and Morton for several months now, and a potential double swoop could be on the cards. The East London club are actively looking to refresh their midfield and view both players as long-term assets with Premier League pedigree.
Morton, valued around £15 million, has steadily built his reputation through spells at Blackburn and Hull City, while Elliott brings Champions League experience and a proven ability to impact games off the bench. But as it stands, West Ham might struggle to afford both without a significant cash injection.
That lifeline could come in the form of Lucas Paquetá. The Brazilian playmaker has just been cleared of gambling misconduct charges by the FA—a decision that could reopen the door to a big-money exit. Manchester City had previously agreed a deal worth up to £80 million before pulling out due to the investigation.
Now, according to TBR Football, City remain keen and may return with a revised offer. Journalist Graeme Bailey added that clubs in the Saudi Pro League are also monitoring the situation, and the general expectation is that Paquetá will leave this summer—just at a more modest fee than originally discussed.
Replacing Paquetá with English Talent
If a sale materializes, West Ham would find themselves with the resources to push ahead for both Elliott and Morton. Not only would the pair help replenish their midfield options, but they would also count as homegrown players—an increasingly valuable asset in today’s squad-building landscape.
Elliott would bring energy, creativity and versatility to Julen Lopetegui midfield options, while Morton could slot in as a deeper-lying controller. Both are at the right age to grow into consistent starters, and would benefit from more regular football than they’re currently getting at Anfield.
From Liverpool’s perspective, these deals make financial and sporting sense. They would bank nearly £65 million from two academy products, helping to balance the books after the signings of Ekitike, Inácio and possibly Alexander Isak.
It’s never easy letting go of academy talents, especially ones as technically gifted and hard-working as Elliott and Morton. But football is a ruthless business. If the right offers arrive and Liverpool are serious about fine-tuning their squad for another title challenge, this could be the right time to cash in.
And for West Ham, this might just be the smartest way to reshape their midfield after the likely departure of their most valuable asset.
