Liverpool announce seven players are leaving the club as retained list confirmed

Liverpool FC has confirmed that seven players will be departing the club ahead of the 2025/26 season, as the official retained list has been released. This announcement comes just days after the Reds secured the Premier League title for the 2024/25 campaign, underscoring the club’s plans to refresh and strengthen the squad for the challenges ahead.

Manager Arne Slot and the Liverpool hierarchy have been working behind the scenes to shape the squad for the new season. While much of the attention has been on incoming transfers and potential marquee signings, the club has also been proactive in managing player exits. The retained list confirms the release of seven players from the Academy, highlighting a transition phase focused on youth development and strategic squad reshaping.

Liverpool’s recent triumph in the Premier League has put them in a strong position to attract top talent this summer. However, the club recognizes the need to offload players who no longer fit into Slot’s tactical vision or long-term plans, especially as new signings loom on the horizon.

One of the biggest departures this summer was that of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Anfield in a £10 million deal to join Spanish giants Real Madrid. His exit marks the end of an era for Liverpool fans, as the right-back was a key figure in their recent successes.

Another notable exit was goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who signed for Premier League newcomers Brentford in a deal reported to be worth up to £18 million. Kelleher had served as a reliable backup option at Anfield, but the pursuit of first-team football prompted his move.

The seven players now confirmed to be leaving Liverpool are all products of the club’s Academy system. Dominic Corness, Louis Enahoro-Marcus, Harry Evers, Lee Jonas, Jakub Ojrzynski, Jacob Poytress, and Reece Trueman will all be departing upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.

In an official statement on the club’s website, Liverpool expressed gratitude towards the departing players for their contributions throughout their time at Anfield. The club wished them success in their future endeavors, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

While the departures might be disappointing to some fans, Liverpool have simultaneously offered new contracts to eight promising Academy players, signaling the club’s continued commitment to nurturing homegrown talent.

Among those rewarded with new deals is 18-year-old Keyrol Figueroa, son of former Premier League defender Maynor Figueroa. Keyrol has impressed in both Liverpool and United States youth teams, showing great promise as a future first-team player.

This strategy aligns with Liverpool’s broader vision of building a balanced squad blending experienced stars with emerging youngsters who can grow into key roles over time.

Looking ahead, Liverpool fans should expect more movement in the squad as the club gears up to welcome exciting new arrivals. Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez and Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz are high on Liverpool’s transfer wishlist.

The anticipated arrival of Kerkez could trigger further defensive changes, with Kostas Tsimikas potentially moving on to find regular playing time elsewhere.

Similarly, to facilitate the Wirtz signing, Liverpool may consider offloading players such as Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah, possibly as part of swap deals or direct transfers.

On the attacking front, uncertainty surrounds several forwards. Luis Díaz recently rejected Barcelona’s approach, but a sufficiently lucrative offer could see the Colombian winger depart.

Additionally, Liverpool might see at least one from their front line — Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, or Darwin Núñez — leave the club this summer. Nunez, in particular, has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, reflecting the increasing global interest in Premier League talent.

This upcoming transfer activity reflects a significant reshaping of Liverpool’s squad as the club balances ambition with financial prudence.

Fans will watch closely as Liverpool prepares for the new season, hopeful that the mix of fresh signings and youthful energy will sustain their domestic dominance and bolster their prospects in European competitions.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s ability to manage these departures while integrating new talent will be crucial for maintaining the club’s upward trajectory under Arne Slot’s leadership.

With the retained list confirmed and the summer transfer window in full swing, the Reds’ Anfield chapter is poised for exciting new beginnings — even as some familiar faces say their goodbyes.