Liverpool FC have decided to release quite a few players in the coming season in order to rebuild a fresh squad. The club finished 6th in this season’s Premier League and failed to win a single trophy.
According to media reports, full-back Glen Johnson is one of the main players to leave Anfield at the end of this season. Johnson’s contract has expired and it was reported earlier that he will not sign a fresh contract extension. He was kept out of action in the final game of the season yesterday against Stoke City. Liverpool lost the game 6-1. Glen Johnson has thanked his fans on a social media platform and confirmed his departure.
A big thank you to all the people out there who have genuinely supported me through the last 6 years. #200 #NewChapter
a Glen Johnson (@glen_johnson) May 24, 2015
Among the other players, goalkeeper Brad Jones, on loan defender Javi Manquillo and strikers Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini have decided to leave the club at the end of this season due to lack of first team appearances. There is a doubt surrounding Mario Balotelli’s future at the club, who had a terrible first season after being bought for A?16million. He just managed to net 4 goals in total and did not feature regularly in the first team. Balotelli was also not present in yesterday’s game against Stoke City due to an injury. After yesterday’s cruising defeat at the hands of Stoke City the Italian striker tweeted,
Thanks to Liverpool fans for this year …. I m loading for next season. a Mario Balotelli (@FinallyMario) May 25, 2015
The most important name among the departing footballers is of course Raheem Sterling who was not fielded in last night’s game. He was booed by his own fans and it is almost certain now that the 20-year-old English winger will ply his trade outside Liverpool.
Ex-Cote D’Ivoire international defender Kolo Toure has decided to sign a contract extension with the club. Toure’s contract expires by the end of this season and he is all set to sign a new one-year deal and end his career in England.
At a press conference, he said, a I think the situation will be resolved soon. We are talking. There are few things more but we will see.
a Liverpool is a great club for me to stay at. Liverpool is going to be massive.
a I love Premier League football and I played all my years here and if I can finish here (Liverpool) it would be great.
a My kids go to school here and they are half-English and that is important as well.
a I play for Liverpool right now and I am very happy and if it was to carry on, Ia d be more than happy.a