Champions League final: Liverpool stars who could play their last game
Suraj Radia
- Updated: 26 May 2022 22:04 BST
- 4 min read
Liverpool's Champions League final against Real Madrid could be a last farewell for some of their key players ahead of a busy upcoming transfer window.
A victory against the Spanish side would see Jurgen Klopp's men finish the season with three trophies however, having missed out on the Premier League title on the final day, Liverpool could still make significant changes in the summer.
With key players out of contract and the club approaching the crossroads of whether to renew or sell, the final could represent a last opportunity to see fan favourites in a Liverpool shirt.
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Which players could leave Liverpool in the summer?
One player confirmed to be moving on is cult hero Divock Origi, with the Belgian having agreed a move to AC Milan after his contract expires in June.
James Milner is another player who is coming to the end of his current contract and the 36-year-old has reportedly been offered a one-year extension, however he has yet to confirm his future with the club.
The Reds also have decisions to make on crucial first team players who have deals set to expire next summer, with the club potentially ready to cash in on their superstars.
Talismanic forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both are entering the final year of their contracts and Liverpool are reportedly reluctant to offer lucrative, long-term deals to players entering their 30s.
Mane in particular has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich to replace Robert Lewandowski while Salah would have no shortage of suitors should Liverpool look to move on their top scorer.
Meanwhile, midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita both see their deals expire in 2023 and the duo could both be moved on should they fail to agree fresh terms with the club.
Liverpool may be more keen on tying down Keita with the 27-year-old still considered an important squad player, although Oxlade-Chamberlain could leave having only made nine league starts this season.
Roberto Firmino is another player with a year left on his contract and the Brazilian has seen his gametime decrease due to the form of Diogo Jota, meaning he could also be heading for the exit door.
Mo Salah: “I am staying at Liverpool next season for sure, that's clear. In my mind, I don't focus on contract right now”. 🚨 #LFC
“I don't want to be selfish, it’s not the right moment to speak about the contract”, he added. pic.twitter.com/FCCVsDh9mk— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 25, 2022
It could mean Liverpool begin next season without their iconic front line of Salah, Firmino and Mane, although it is unlikely that all three will be sold this summer.
However, with Premier League champions Manchester City bringing in Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, Klopp may feel he needs to go big in order to avoid another title disappointment next season.
All eyes will be on the final against Madrid to see which players can potentially make a last attempt to save their future or, ultimately, a heroic exit.
Read more about: UEFA Champions League, Premier League, Liverpool, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Mohamed Salah, Naby Keïta, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané
