Liverpool release 10 players as Arne Slot wields the axe but shock contract offered to one unexpected player

Liverpool has confirmed that 10 players will depart the club following the conclusion of the 2023-24 season.

Following their Premier League campaign’s finale with a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, it was revealed that Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip would be leaving due to their contracts expiring.

Thiago, the Spanish midfielder, saw limited action this season, featuring for just five minutes as a late substitute during the defeat against Arsenal. Meanwhile, defender Matip’s season ended abruptly after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Sheffield United in December.

On Wednesday morning, Liverpool officially announced the departure of the 10 players. The club’s statement read, “Liverpool FC has submitted its Premier League retained list following the end of the 2023-24 season, with confirmation of the departure of several senior and Academy players.”

The departing players include Adam Lewis, Melkamu Frauendorf, Mateusz Musialowski, Nathan Giblin, Francis Gyimah, Luke Hewitson, Niall Osborne, and Cody Pennington, whose contracts have expired.

Liverpool has also extended contract offers to Adrian, Jacob Poytress, and Reece Trueman. The club expressed gratitude to the departing players for their contributions and wished them well for the future.

With Jurgen Klopp departing after nearly nine years as manager, Liverpool faces a significant summer of change. Dutchman Arne Slot has been appointed as the new head coach, following his successful tenure at Feyenoord. Slot officially assumed his role on June 1, suggesting that the club’s hierarchy likely made the decision regarding the departing players.