Liverpool have waved goodbye to Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate this week after their contracts expired. Robertson joined Tottenham on a free transfer, Salah's nine-year tenure ended with his contract terminated a year early, and Konate moved to Real Madrid. As the Andoni Iraola era begins, the Reds are reminded of their history of securing bargains on free transfers.
Joel Matip: A Defensive Foundation
Jurgen Klopp's first signing at Liverpool was a free one: Joel Matip arrived from Schalke in summer 2016 on a four-year deal after a pre-contract agreement in February. Matip solidified a defence that had featured Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Martin Skrtel. Alongside Virgil van Dijk from 2018, he helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. Injuries limited him to 25 combined appearances in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, but he returned as Van Dijk's regular partner in 2021/22 during the quadruple chase, which yielded a domestic cup double. His final two seasons were injury-hit, and he was released in summer 2024, soon retiring as a Liverpool cult hero.
James Milner: The Ultimate Professional
James Milner arrived from Manchester City on a free transfer in 2015 and spent eight seasons at Anfield. Klopp praised him upon his departure in 2023: "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 was a key figure in Liverpool's 2019 Champions League win and 2020 league title. He retired from professional football in June at age 40 after three years with Brighton.
Kolo Toure: Experience and Charisma
Kolo Toure joined Liverpool on a free from Manchester City in 2013, bringing Premier League-winning experience from Arsenal's Invincibles. In his first season, he made 20 league appearances during Liverpool's unexpected title charge alongside Luis Suarez and Steven Gerrard. He became a fan favourite for his work ethic and infamous chant. His final game for the Reds was the 2016 Europa League final, a 3-1 defeat to Sevilla, where he performed admirably. He spent one year at Celtic before retiring.
