Signings and departures are part of football, but even so, it is difficult when fan favorites leave a club. Such is the case for Liverpool as the club announced yesterday (May 17th) via their official website that a quartet of Reds would be leaving Anfield at the season's end. Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, and Naby Keïta all have their contracts expiring and plan to join other clubs in the offseason.
"All four players will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution they have made." club officials said in a statement.
James Milner is the most senior player in the group. The 37-year-old joined the club in 2015 under former boss Brendan Rodgers and has made 330 appearances in a Reds shirt (617 overall in the Premier League).
Roberto Firmino announced earlier in the year that he was leaving Liverpool. He also joined the Reds in 2015 and has scored 80 goals in 254 appearances. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came to Liverpool in 2017 and has 18 career goals. He has had difficulty finding time on the pitch this season as his last appearance came against Real Madrid in a Champions League fixture. Naby Keïta has been a part of the club since 2017. He has 11 goals in 129 appearances, but his minutes and appearances (12) have dwindled this season due to injury.
All four players will have their swan song at Anfield on Saturday, May 20th vs. Aston Villa at 15:00 BST. There will be a special ceremony before the match honoring the departing players.
LFC Globe Verdict
Football is a business and while it is sad to see these 4 players leave, the Reds must move on. It will be interesting to see what Jürgen Klopp has to say about the departures in his press conference, but Liverpool have to keep their emotions under control as they are still in the thick of the Champions League race