Liverpool have confirmed that the quartet of James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will leave the club this summer.
All four players will be out of contract at the club this summer and were thought to be on their way out. However, it has now been confirmed that they will leave this summer as free agents.
Milner joined the club from Manchester City as a free agent in 2015 and have enjoyed eight successful years there. He was also an influential figure at the club and was made the club’s assistant captain. He is thought to be on his way to Brighton, who are keen to land him due to his experience and leadership.
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Meanwhile, Firmino joined the club at the same time as Milner, initially playing as a winger under Brendan Rodgers before making his name as a false nine under Jurgen Klopp. The German manager had wanted to keep the Brazilian at Anfield beyond this season, but the 31-year-old insisted it was time for a new challenge.
Barcelona are thought to be interested in his services, but nothing has been agreed yet.
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita joined the clubs at different times and have won several trophies with the team. But their time at Anfield have been marred by injuries and lack of form, despite their early promise.
A club statement on the news of the four players’ departures reads: “Liverpool FC can confirm Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.
“The quartet will each embark on new chapters in their careers following the conclusion of the 2022-23 season, having helped the Reds lift a host of the game’s biggest honours during their spells at Anfield.”
The club also confirmed that ‘special acknowledgements’ will be paid to the players during Liverpool’s last home game for the season against Aston Villa.
“With the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday being the Reds’ final home fixture of the campaign, special acknowledgements will be paid to the quartet at Anfield, with further tributes to follow across the club’s digital platforms after the end of the season as we wish Roberto, Naby, James, Alex and their families the very best for the future.
“All four players will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution they have made.”
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