Liverpool pair set for transfer exits after being demoted to train with U21s

Liverpool duo Rhys Williams (23) and Billy Koumetio (21) are both expected to leave the club this summer .

While there are not currently that many defensive options available to Arne Slot , the pair are not with the senior team for training. The duo have found themselves with the club's U21 team rather than Slot’s senior squad since returning for pre-season training in Kirkby earlier this month, according to The Athletic . They both have interest from elsewhere.

Even though Virgil van Dijk , Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are on holiday following their involvement at the European Championship, Slot currently has Jarell Quansah , Amara Nallo, Sepp van den Berg and Nat Phillips in training who can play center-back.

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Williams is said to be attracting interest from Turkey as well as a number of League One clubs. Koumetio has suitors from both Scotland and France and both players are in dire need of an exit to kickstart their careers.

While Williams played 19 times for Jurgen Klopp in the 2020-21 season when the Reds were struck down with multiple center-back issues, he has since been out on unsuccessful loan spells with Aberdeen and Port Vale. His own injury issues have proven a hindrance.

Koumetio, who has been at Liverpool for around six years, was unable to force his way into the Blackburn Rovers team last season when he headed there on loan. He too needs a move away to take the next step in his career.

Liverpool.com says: Neither Williams nor Koumetio are the answer for Liverpool at center-back next season. They can still both have very good careers, though. If they get their next moves right, there is talent there to be unlocked.