Liverpool has officially submitted their retained and released players list to the Premier League for the upcoming 2024-25 season, featuring a mix of expected decisions and a few surprises.
As said before, long-time players Joël Matip and Thiago Alcantara will be leaving the team.
Matip came to Liverpool for free and stayed for eight strong years. He played in over 200 games and helped a lot as the team won under coach Jürgen Klopp.
He was key in the team’s wins of every big trophy while he was there, making him one of the best free picks for Liverpool ever.
Thiago was with the team for four years, showing top skill at times, but was often hurt. This ongoing issue severely limited his contributions, culminating in just a single appearance during the 2023-24 season.
While fans saw flashes of brilliance from Thiago, his persistent injuries ultimately hindered his ability to make a consistent impact.
One of the more unexpected decisions was the extension of a new contract offer to third-choice goalkeeper Adrian, who has been included on the retained list. Adrian, who has served as a reliable backup, had previously hinted at a potential return to Spain.
This move would allow him to secure more playing time as a starter or second-choice goalkeeper.
His decision to stay at Liverpool or leave for more minutes elsewhere remains open, adding an element of uncertainty to the club’s goalkeeping depth for the upcoming season.
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Equally surprising was the release of two young talents, Melkamu Frauendorf and Mateusz Musialowski.
The 20-year-olds, particularly Musialowski, who was dubbed the “Polish Messi,” found themselves falling down the pecking order in the U21 squad last season.
Despite their potential, both players struggled to maintain their positions and were overtaken by younger talents who even made it to the fringes of the first team. Their departure signifies a shift in Liverpool’s strategy, emphasizing the rapid progression of younger prospects within the club.
In addition to these notable changes, several reserve and youth players have been confirmed for release.
Adam Lewis, Nathan Giblin, Francis Gyimah, Luke Hewitson, Niall Osborne, and Cody Pennington are all set to depart. These players will now seek new opportunities to continue their careers elsewhere.
Meanwhile, out-of-contract players Jacob Poytress and Reece Trueman have been offered new deals, reflecting the club’s intention to retain some promising talent within their development squads.
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Overall, while Liverpool’s retained and released list for the 2024-25 season largely aligns with expectations, the club’s decision to extend a contract to Adrian and release promising youngsters Frauendorf and Musialowski has caught many by surprise.
These changes highlight the dynamic nature of player development and squad management in pursuit of continued success.
As Liverpool navigates these transitions, the club remains committed to nurturing talent and maintaining a competitive edge in the Premier League.
