John Barnes has revealed that the departures at Liverpool F.C. may not stop with Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson after the emotional farewell scenes following the game against Brentford F.C..
Anfield witnessed a poignant mix of celebration and sorrow on Sunday afternoon as Liverpool played host to Brentford in the final Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 campaign. While the day was primarily about bidding emotional goodbyes to club legends Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, Liverpool great John Barnes has issued a stark warning: the wave of exits may be far from over.
“Everybody is excited seeing them retire not knowing they are not the only ones leaving the club. It was revealed yesterday that two other stars are 100% leaving in the summer after the World Cup because they feel they no longer have that connection with Arne Slot and want a fresh start elsewhere,” Barnes reportedly revealed.
The comments from the former Reds winger and club icon have sent ripples of concern through the Liverpool supporter base, already emotionally drained from the farewell tributes to two of the most influential players of the modern era.
Bittersweet Send-Off at Anfield
The atmosphere inside Anfield was unforgettable. Red scarves waved in unison, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoed louder than usual, and tributes poured in for Salah and Robertson, who have together embodied the heart and soul of Liverpool since their arrivals in 2017. Salah, the Egyptian goal machine who became the club’s all-time leading Premier League scorer, and Robertson, the relentless Scottish left-back known for his lung-busting runs and leadership, received standing ovations that brought many fans to tears.
Mosaics, personalised messages on the big screen, and hugs from teammates marked a fitting end to their Anfield chapters. Both players are departing on free transfers at the end of their contracts, closing a glittering nine-year spell that delivered every major honour, including the 2019 Champions League and the 2019-20 Premier League title.
Yet, as the final whistle blew and the lap of honour concluded, Barnes’ revelation shifted the narrative from nostalgia to uncertainty about the club’s immediate future.
Barnes Sounds the Alarm
John Barnes, never afraid to speak candidly about his former club, suggested that the departures of Salah and Robertson are merely the tip of the iceberg. According to the reported interview, two unnamed senior players have already decided to move on after the 2026 World Cup, citing a lack of personal connection with head coach Arne Slot and a desire for new challenges.
Barnes highlighted a perceived disconnect in the dressing room: “Players who gave everything under previous regimes now feel the project isn’t aligning with their ambitions or emotional ties.” This comes amid a transitional season under Slot, where despite significant investment, Liverpool have struggled to consistently hit the heights expected after winning the league the previous year.
The Dutch manager has openly discussed the need for evolution, admitting that the club operates under a “sell to buy” model. Heavy spending last summer on players like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez brought excitement but also integration challenges. With wages freed up from outgoing stars, Liverpool must carefully navigate the market while maintaining competitiveness.
Potential Candidates for Exit
While Barnes stopped short of naming the two stars, speculation has intensified. Several high-profile names are now under the microscope:
Virgil van Dijk, the commanding Dutch centre-back and captain, remains a defensive cornerstone at 34. However, contract uncertainties and the club’s youth-focused rebuild have led to whispers of interest from elsewhere. Van Dijk has been a leader who bridged the Klopp and Slot eras, but a fresh start could appeal after years of carrying the backline.
Alisson Becker is another possibility. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been world-class, but at 33, questions linger about long-term succession planning, especially with emerging talents pushing for opportunities. His leadership in the dressing room is valued, yet Barnes’ comments about “connection” have fans wondering if key voices feel sidelined.
Midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones have also been mentioned in transfer speculation. Both have shone in moments but could seek greater consistency or new tactical fits. Other fringe seniors such as Joe Gomez, Wataru Endo, or even recent arrivals struggling for minutes could be candidates if the club looks to balance the books further.
Arne Slot has downplayed drastic overhauls, describing the upcoming window as “a little transition” rather than a full reset. Yet the reality of modern football economics — rising wages, squad depth needs, and Champions League ambitions — makes further exits likely.
The Slot Era: Challenges and Opportunities
Since taking over from Jürgen Klopp, Slot has faced the unenviable task of following a legend while reshaping the squad. Last summer’s massive outlay brought new talent, but results have been inconsistent, leaving the team fighting for a top-four spot heading into the final day.
Slot has emphasised building connections and tactical understanding, but Barnes’ intervention suggests not all players are fully bought in. The manager addressed this indirectly in recent press conferences, noting the importance of Champions League qualification for transfer plans and squad morale.
For fans, the emotional farewells to Salah and Robertson have highlighted what might be lost. Salah’s work ethic, humility, and relentless drive set standards few can match. Robertson’s passion and never-say-die attitude made him a cult hero on the Kop. Losing more experienced heads risks diluting that famous Liverpool mentality.
Social media has been flooded with reactions. One supporter wrote: “Mo and Robbo gone is painful enough. Hearing more could follow after the World Cup is devastating. We need stability, not another rebuild.”
Another added: “Barnes is telling it like it is. Loyalty feels rare these days. Slot needs to reconnect with the squad fast.”
Looking Ahead to Summer
The transfer window opens soon after the season concludes, with Liverpool expected to be active but prudent. Incoming targets are rumoured to focus on midfield reinforcement, defensive depth, and attacking creativity to fill the voids left by Salah and Robertson.
The 2026 World Cup adds another layer. Players eyeing international success may use the tournament as a shop window, potentially accelerating decisions. Those departing post-tournament could command significant fees or free moves depending on contract situations.
Barnes urged fans to stay realistic: “The club has always evolved. Legends leave, but new ones emerge. The key is keeping the soul of Liverpool intact.” His words echo past transitions, from the departures of Gerrard, Torres, and others, yet the current scale feels particularly significant.
For Salah and Robertson, their legacies are cemented. Salah leaves as a goal-scoring icon with hundreds of goals and countless memories. Robertson departs as one of the finest left-backs in club history, a player who ran himself to exhaustion for the cause.
As the sun set on another Anfield chapter against Brentford, the focus now shifts to what comes next. Can Arne Slot rebuild the “connection” that some players feel is missing? Will the next generation step up, or will further exits destabilise the project?
Liverpool’s hierarchy, including sporting director Richard Hughes and the Fenway Sports Group, face pivotal choices. Balancing ambition with financial sense while honouring the club’s values will define the next era.
In the words of the famous anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone — but as more stars potentially prepare to leave, fans are left wondering who will be walking alongside them in the seasons ahead. The emotional scenes at Brentford’s visit mark not just endings, but the uncertain beginnings of Liverpool’s next chapter.
The full story continues to unfold, with summer promising drama, deals, and difficult decisions at Anfield.
