Liverpool confirm exits of experienced first team duo

Liverpool have confirmed their Premier League retained players and departures list, signalling the end of Joel Matip and Thiago's stays at Anfield.

Matip spent eight years with Liverpool after joining from Schalke 04 and, despite struggling with injuries, was once a key component of Jurgen Klopp's defence alongside Virgil van Dijk.

Thiago joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2020 but also struggled to maintain fitness during his four-year stay on Merseyside - he was limited to just one appearance during the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Confirming their exits in a statement on their official website, Liverpool also announced departures for a number of young players who haven't been able to force their way into the first team.

Adam Lewis, Melkamu Frauendorf and Mateusz Musialowski have all appeared for Liverpool's first team in cup competitions but are now moving onto pastures new, as are Nathan Giblin, Francis Gyimah, Luke Hewitson, Niall Osborne and Cody Pennington.

Liverpool are preparing to usher in a new era after Klopp's exit as manager, with Arne Slot tasked with continuing the German's fine work.

Klopp helped propel Liverpool back to the top of European football, ending the club's 30-year wait for a top flight title, in addition to winning the Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup (twice), UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Liverpool also made two other Champions League finals under Klopp - in 2018 and 2022 - but lost out to 15-time winners Real Madrid on both occasions.

Slot has seen his reputation soar after a successful three-year spell in charge of Feyenoord, and the Dutchman will now look to knit together a Liverpool team capable of challenging Manchester City and Arsenal for next season's Premier League crown.

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