Liverpool boss Arne Slot could cash in on five Carabao Cup flops after Newcastle defeat

Liverpool boss could sanction the departures of five players this summer following the Reds’ final defeat at the hands of . The Merseyside giants faltered in Slot’s first final at the helm as they were .

had been the frontrunners to land the Carabao Cup trophy at the start of Sunday after enjoying a fine season under Slot. But they fell behind on the stroke of half-time as Dan Burn headed in from a corner. Alexander Isak then netted a second for the Magpies as Eddie Howe’s side moved up through the gears. Federico Chiesa gave a fighting chance with a late strike, but held on.

Despite failing to win the Carabao Cup trophy, Slot will be in a position to wield his influence over transfer chiefs this summer due to his impressive maiden campaign in charge. And he may attempt to offload a string of stars ahead of next season in an effort to raise money for new players.

Caoimhin Kelleher was given the nod in goal on Sunday after starting three matches during his side’s run to the final. But he was helpless to prevent the efforts from Burn and Isak finding the back of the net.

Kelleher has a stellar reputation and is widely regarded as the best back-up keeper in the Premier League. But he will soon have just one year remaining on his current contract, and if want to avoid losing him for free in 2026 they will have to consider a summer departure.

Andy Robertson will also only have one more year remaining on his contract by the time the next campaign gets underway in August. The Scotland international has struggled to hit the heights he experienced under during his time working with Slot and may not even be guaranteed a starting place next season if the club can bring in a new left-back.

A host of clubs would surely be interested in snapping up the star if he fancies a fresh challenge, and Slot may decide the time is right for the ace to move on.

had little success in the final third against , despite the fact they dominated possession in the capital. Winger Luis Diaz has gone off the boil in recent weeks, having enjoyed a scintillating start to the campaign.

The Colombia international is said to be reluctant to pen fresh terms at Anfield and has been linked with a move to Barcelona. And he could get his wish in the coming months.

Forwards Darwin Nunez and Chiesa both came off the bench against the Magpies after being left out of the starting line-up. Chiesa found the back of the net but has endured a nightmare debut campaign in England since joining the Reds from Juventus last year.

The 27-year-old is well down the pecking order at Anfield and has been starved of opportunities under Slot. And the Reds boss could allow him to return to Italy if the player wants to put the sorry spell behind him.

Nunez, meanwhile, has continued to be a handful for opposition defences but lacks an end product and isn’t the man to fire to the next level. At the age of 25, he would still have plenty of suitors and could net a decent transfer fee if Slot moves him on.