If it wasn't already obvious, Tuesday's defeat to Real Madrid hammered home the scale of the rebuild that lies in front of Liverpool.
The squad has grown incredibly stale over the last few months, with players looking as though they are running on fumes after their exploits last season. That is not surprising, considering there has been very little updating of the squad in recent seasons.
Some major recruits will be needed in the summer, but it is likely that you will also see a number of players leave Anfield. The likes of Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out on contract, while it is expected other fringe squad members will be sold.
Could some big name stars also be out on their way out?
Tony Cascarino believes Liverpool should sell Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has arguably been the most important piece in Liverpool's rise under Jurgen Klopp, but it is fair to say his form has been patchy at times this season. He also struggled with injuries at times, only recently returning from a six-week layoff.
Despite his pedigree, some feel his time at the club could be drawing to an end.
Writing in The Times, Tony Cascarino said that Liverpool should consider selling Virgil van Dijk as he is no longer the player he once was.
[Joe] Gomez plays Rodrygo onside and is then unfortunate with a deflection, but Virgil van Dijk should not escape criticism.
As the senior centre back, he should recognise that his partner is struggling and ensure the back line is flat. However, the Dutchman was often raising his eyebrows or looking to the ground.
This body language reminds me of Van Dijk’s final season at Southampton, when he was pushing for a move to Anfield.
Five years on, I think it could be time for Liverpool to consider selling him themselves. The Van Dijk that was among the best in the world has disappeared...
Nobody’s future in this Liverpool defence is secure — I have not mentioned Andy Robertson but he too has been half the player he was last season. I think Gomez could use a spell abroad, while Alexander-Arnold would be helped by playing alongside a midfielder with speed who can cover for his weaknesses.
Jude Bellingham has been linked, but I would prefer a more defensively minded player in the mould of Declan Rice or Moisés Caicedo.
Klopp, meanwhile, has a big challenge. I am a Liverpool fan and I do not want to lose him to any club, but he must prove that he can refresh a squad. He has done it once when he first became the Liverpool manager, but now he has to put loyalties to one side and determine which players can no longer perform for him.
Although Liverpool supporters may not like hearing it, Klopp’s next task is to evolve a declining team in the manner that Sir Alex Ferguson did repeatedly at Manchester United.
It is incredibly unlikely that Liverpool would consider selling the Dutchman, even if he has failed to find his best form this season as the rest of the team also struggled.
While Virgil van Dijk will likely be a part of it, it's clear big changes are coming on Merseyside in the months ahead.
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