Liverpool have confirmed that 12 players will leave the club, including first-team stars Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate. The departures were announced as the club prepares for a new era under head coach Arne Slot.
Defender Rhys Williams departs after 15 years at the club, having played a pivotal role as defensive cover under Jurgen Klopp during the 2021-22 campaign. A host of academy prospects also leave, including James Balagizi and Oakley Cannonier, the ballboy who handed Trent Alexander-Arnold the ball for the winning goal against Barcelona in the 2019 Champions League semi-final.
Robertson and Salah bid farewell to Anfield in an emotional send-off during the final day draw with Brentford. Both players were substituted by Slot and received separate makeshift guards of honour. Robertson has since been confirmed as a Tottenham Hotspur player, moving to north London after a trophy-laden spell at Anfield.
Konate's time on Merseyside ends after failing to reach an agreement with the Liverpool hierarchy. The 27-year-old defender had hinted at a contract extension following the win over Everton in April, but the two parties did not agree terms, allowing him to leave on a free transfer.
New head coach Andoni Iraola has offered hope to up-and-coming talents at the AXA Training Centre, stating that youngsters will be afforded opportunities in pre-season. He said: 'I think especially with a lot of those young players that will do the pre-season with us, a lot of things about the organisation, about the staff, about how we can create the best atmosphere... so when they arrive, everyone feels everything is in place.'
