Liverpool face the new season without Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate following the trio's departures this week as their contracts ran out. Yet the Reds have a strong track record of making the most of free transfers.
The Andoni Iraola era at Anfield is almost upon us and with it comes a wave of significant changes. Most notably, some of the club's most dedicated modern servants have bid their farewells. Robertson, a two-time Premier League champion in red, has moved to Tottenham on a free transfer, while Salah's nine-year, record-breaking stint also came to a close after his contract was terminated a year ahead of schedule. Konate, meanwhile, has headed to Real Madrid.
While free agency has cost Liverpool dearly this summer, in previous seasons the club have shown a real knack for unearthing bargains. Mirror Football looks back at some of the most notable free signings to have arrived on Merseyside in recent years.
Joel Matip: A Champions League and Premier League Winner for Free
One of Jurgen Klopp's earliest signings at Liverpool came at no cost, with Joel Matip putting pen to paper on a four-year deal after his Schalke contract expired in the summer of 2016. He had already agreed terms with the club back in February. What a capture Matip proved to be. Prior to his arrival, Liverpool's backline, which included the likes of Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel, had faced considerable criticism.
However, Matip strengthened the defensive unit and, alongside Virgil van Dijk from 2018, helped Liverpool clinch both a Champions League trophy and a Premier League title. He was largely on the fringes during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns, featuring in just 25 matches combined. Matip regained full fitness during the 2021/22 season, becoming Van Dijk's regular partner as the Reds pursued a quadruple, narrowly missing out while securing a domestic cup double. His final two seasons were plagued by injury before he was released in the summer of 2024 and promptly announced his retirement from football as a beloved Liverpool cult hero.
James Milner: The Role Model Who Delivered Trophies
Fellow free signing James Milner also carved out legendary status at Anfield. Having joined from Manchester City in 2015, Milner spent eight seasons at Liverpool, setting the benchmark for his team-mates in terms of fitness and professionalism. Milner was cherished by Klopp, who, upon the player's exit in 2023, said: "[It has been] a pleasure and a challenge. In the same moment [it] means a pleasure because of his exceptional attitude, really. I think for a lot of experienced players you use from time to time the word 'role model'. But Millie is the role model, how he puts himself pretty much in place to be every day 100 per cent ready. It's a pure example; absolutely outstanding."
Milner also played a pivotal part in Liverpool's 2019 Champions League triumph and 2020 league title. He only retired from professional football in June, aged 40, after three years with Brighton.
Kolo Toure: Title-Winning Pedigree and a Fan Favourite
Kolo Toure brought title-winning pedigree when he joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2013. He turned out to be an extremely valuable signing for Brendan Rodgers. In his debut season at the club, he was instrumental in Liverpool's thrilling, surprise push for the Premier League crown alongside Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard. He featured in 20 league matches that campaign.
He too became something of a supporters' favourite, with his legendary chant and flawless work rate. His farewell appearance for the Reds came in the 2016 Europa League final, where, despite the 3-1 loss to Sevilla, he delivered a commendable display. A single year with Celtic followed before he retired from playing.
