Ex-Liverpool Players Find New Homes in 2024
Introduction:
The transfer window for Liverpool may not have been as exciting as fans had hoped, but ex-players certainly made up for the lack of activity with transfers of their own. Every summer, interesting and questionable moves are made from across world football, including those who once called Anfield home. Let’s take a look at where some of these ex-Reds have found new homes this summer.
Returning to Familiar Ground:
Xherdan Shaqiri, who previously played for Liverpool, has returned to his former stomping ground at boyhood club Basel. The 32-year-old Swiss international mutually agreed with MLS’ Chicago Fire to go their separate ways, giving him the opportunity to rejoin his childhood team. Similarly, Adam Lallana has followed a similar path by rejoining Southampton after leaving Brighton. The south coast seems to be a desirable place for ex-Reds to finish out their careers.
Moving Continents and Collecting Infinity Stones:
Raheem Sterling, another former Liverpool player, has added Arsenal to his list of clubs after a deadline day loan move from Chelsea. Interestingly, Chelsea is paying most of Sterling’s wages without collecting a loan fee. Philippe Coutinho, who left Anfield in 2018, is now back in Brazil on loan with Vasco, marking his fifth club since leaving Liverpool. Dominic Solanke’s £65 million move to Tottenham could potentially earn Liverpool up to £9.2 million. It seems like Spurs are generously contributing to Liverpool’s bank account.
New Adventures:
Ben Woodburn, Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer, is now playing in League Two with Salford City. Mamadou Sakho, a former Liverpool defender, joined Georgian side Torpedo Kutaisi after seven months without a club. Another ex-Red, Luis Alberto, completed a €10 million transfer from Lazio to Al-Duhail, profiting the club. Lazar Markovic, who permanently left Anfield in 2019, made a move to Abu Dhabi, signing with FC Baniyas.
Italian Transfers:
Alberto Moreno and Pepe Reina, both released by Villarreal, made identical transfers to Serie A newcomers Como. It’s impressive that Reina, at the age of 41, is still going strong. Ki-Jana Hover, who signed for Wolves in 2020, joined Ligue 1’s Auxerre on loan. Jonjo Shelvey, on the other hand, swapped one Turkish club for another.
Feel-Good Stories:
Andre Wisdom, who previously played for Liverpool, Derby County, RB Salzburg, and Warrington Town, has signed for Derry City after a four-year hiatus due to being stabbed. The 31-year-old expressed pride in himself for getting back into full-time football and having a job again.
Other Moves:
Yasser Larouci, who turned down a new contract with Liverpool in 2021, has signed for Watford on loan and is now a regular in midfield. He will spend the season in the Championship while still being contracted to Troyes.
Conclusion:
It seems that wherever you look this season, an ex-Red will not be too far away. From high-profile moves to lesser-known transfers, Liverpool’s former players have found new homes in various leagues and countries. These moves provide new opportunities for the players and add interesting storylines to the football landscape. Only time will tell how these ex-Reds will fare in their new surroundings.