Arne Slot has started his work at Liverpool. (Image: Getty)
Arne Slot has began his summer clearout at Liverpool with the club confirming that 10 players will be released after their contracts expired. However, the new manager has offered a new deal to keeper Adrian, 37, despite the Spaniard making just two first team appearances in the past three seasons.
Heading the list of those leaving is Joel Matip after eight years at Anfield, with the centre back last month confirming he would be departing in the summer.
Thiago was also widely expected to be released after injuries confined him to just one club appearance in the 2023/24 campaign.
Matip, 32, made 201 appearances under Jurgen Klopp and was pivotal in helping the club to both Champions League and Premier League glory. Midfielder Thiago, 33, featured in the 2022 FA Cup final win over Chelsea, but fitness issues meant he only showed glimpses of his quality after moving from Bayern Munich.
The pair will be joined by six club youngsters in heading for the exit doors. Academy graduate Adam Lewis is also being released after spending the last two seasons on loan with Newport County.
Melkamu Frauendorf and Mateusz Musialowski will also leave the club with senior appearances to their name in cup competitions. Academy players Nathan Giblin, Francis Gyimah, Luke Hewitson, Niall Osborne and Cody Pennington are also being released.
Liverpool keeper Adrian has been offered a new deal. (Image: Getty)
A statement on the official club website read: “Everyone at Liverpool FC thanks Joel, Thiago, Adam, Melkamu, Mateusz, Nathan, Francis, Luke, Niall and Cody for all their contributions and wishes them each the very best for the future.”
But the statement also confirmed that three club keepers have been offered new deals. “Contract offers have been made to senior goalkeeper Adrian – who has made 26 appearances since signing for the club in August 2019 – and Academy stoppers Jacob Poytress and Reece Trueman,” it said.
Adrian joined on a free transfer from West Ham in 2019, and played an unexpectedly key role in his first season on Merseyside. He started the European Super Cup final with Chelsea that same summer, and proved the hero as the Reds prevailed on penalties.
Injuries and suspension to Alisson meant that Adrian would go on to make 18 appearances that season, including 11 in the Premier League as the club ended a 30 year wait for a top flight title. And despite playing just eight times in the three years that followed, he was offered a new one-year deal last summer.
The fresh offer comes amid speculation over the futures of the club’s Brazilian No.1 and understudy Caoimhin Kelleher. Alisson has been linked with a big money move to Saudi Arabia, while Kelleher is also being targeted by a host of clubs prepared to offer him regular first team football.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1907521/Liverpool-Arne-Slot-transfer-news