Liverpool are facing yet another transfer dilemma as they need to plan their deal in accordance with the Premier League regulations.
The rules state that every Premier League team must submit a maximum 25-man squad list for the season at the end of the summer transfer window.
Eight slots are for homegrown players, i.e.players of any nationality raised at an FA-affiliated club for at least three years before their 21st birthday.
It leaves 17 slots for the non-homegrown players in the squad — senior players of any nationality.
If a team can register only seven homegrown players or less, their squad for the season is reduced, but the maximum number of non-homegrown players is unchanged. A team can register an unlimited number of under-21 players, though.
Liverpool filled their non-homegrown quota last season. With Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and Arthur leaving, three non-homegrown spots will open up.
The Reds face a homegrown challenge, too. James Milner and Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain are leaving, while Caoimhin Kelleher and Nat Phillips could follow, meaning the homegrown tally could be down to four (Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Curtis Jones).
Liverpool reportedly plan to make four signings - three midfielders and a defender. So, at least one of these players needs to be homegrown for all of them to be registered for the season - unless one of the current non-homegrown players is sold.
