Liverpool's Champions League hero ballboy leaves club without making an appearance
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Liverpool have confirmed their retained and released list for 2026/27, with first-team stars Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate among 12 players departingOakley Cannonier has left Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool have unveiled their retained and released list for the 2026/27 campaign, with several academy players set to depart upon the expiry of their contracts.First-team stalwarts Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, along with defender Rhys Williams, were all out of contract at the close of this month and have already confirmed their impending exits.A further eight players from the club's youth ranks will also be saying their goodbyes this month. Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, James Balagizi, DJ Bernard, Oakley Cannonier, Josh Davidson, Terence Miles and Jacob Poytress will all be seeking new chapters elsewhere in their football careers.Cannonier, 22, is fondly remembered for his supporting role in Liverpool's stunning 4-0 Champions League triumph over Barcelona in 2019.Serving as a ballboy, he swiftly returned the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose rapid corner caught the Catalans completely off guard and set up Divock Origi — who announced his retirement from football this week — to net the crucial fourth goal, propelling Jurgen Klopp's side towards the Champions League final and their sixth European Cup victory.A statement published on Liverpool's official website read: "Everybody at the club would like to thank the players for all their contributions and wish each of them the best for the future."The club has also confirmed that contract offers have been made to Prince Cisse, Keyrol Figueroa, Kyle Kelly, Afolami Onanuga, Oliver O'Connor, Lucas Pitt, Ben Trueman and Matthew Wright.Mohamed Salah is one of 12 players leaving Liverpool this month(Image: Photo by Jack Thomas/Getty Images)Scotland international Robertson has joined Tottenham Hotspur upon the expiration of his Liverpool deal, while French centre-back Konate is poised to make the switch to Real Madrid.After agreeing his switch last week, Robertson said: "Hi Tottenham fans, it’s me Andy Robertson here.
As you can see, I’m not in Glasgow, I’m in America just now preparing for the World Cup.“But I just wanted to send you a quick message to say I cannot wait to play for you guys, I cannot wait to meet you guys, I cannot wait to play in the stadium for the first time in front of you, and I’m already looking forward to next season. All the best, and I’ll see you soon.”The destination of Salah's next chapter remains unclear, with all three senior figures expected to feature in this month's World Cup on North American soil.