Liverpool confirm release of 11 players, including 7 from academy

Liverpool have confirmed their retained list and departures, releasing 11 players and making a big call on the future of Adrian.

Alongside Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whose releases were already announced, seven academy players are being let go.

Midfielder Jack Bearne (aged 21), goalkeeper Liam Hughes (21), defender Charlie Hayes-Green (18), goalkeeper Oscar Kelly (20), forward Fidel O'Rourke (21), defender Oludare Olufunwa (21), and forward Iwan Roberts (18) have been let go.

Experienced goalkeeper Adrian, described by the club as a 'vital member of the goalkeeping group', has been offered a new contract.

The Seville-born custodian has only made two appearances in the last two seasons.

The contract extension could be seen as a safe bet in the event Caoimhin Kelleher departs the club for more minutes elsewhere. Jurgen Klopp is keen to keep hold of his No 2 and the club would demand around £20million from anybody aiming to sign him.

Losing Firmino, Keita, Milner, and Oxlade-Chamberlain will tug the heartstrings of many a Liverpool fan.

Between them, the four have played 969 games for the Reds and have helped elevate the status of the club with seven trophies in recent campaigns.

While injury issues have been a problem, particularly for Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain, the quartet will need replacing and Liverpool have already brought in Alexis Mac Allister to freshen up the midfield.