Trent Alexander-Arnold bid farewell to Liverpool on Sunday, but he won't be the only one departing Anfield this summer. The England international made his final appearance in the second half of a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, before lifting the Premier League trophy.
Receiving a hero's welcome, Alexander-Arnold was at the center of the jubilations at Anfield, marking a memorable day for the Reds. However, the emotional weight of the occasion was evident as the 26-year-old was seen shedding tears multiple times, including during the city-wide open-top bus parade the next day, signalling the end of his time with Liverpool.
Alexander-Arnold is now poised to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, having chosen not to renew his contract with the club he grew up supporting.
Liverpool has already acted swiftly to secure a successor for Alexander-Arnold, closing in on the acquisition of Jeremie Frimpong. The Reds are also negotiating with the German side over a potential record-breaking deal for Florian Wirtz, and have shown interest in AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez.
Alexander-Arnold's departure from Anfield is now set in stone, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over several Liverpool players' futures as the season wrapped up against Crystal Palace. Post-match hints dropped by four Reds suggest their time at the club may be drawing to a close.
Caoimhin Kelleher, amid interest from Brentford and other clubs, delivered a clear message about his intentions in a post-match interview with Optus Sport.
The Irish goalkeeper expressed his ambition to secure a regular starting spot, hinting at a summer exit. "I think I've said it before that I feel like I'm a number one," he stated on the Anfield turf. And I think I'm good enough to play week-in, week-out. And that's what I'm looking to do, obviously. This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but yeah, definitely something I am looking at."
Caoimhin Kelleher
Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to leave Liverpool this summer
Meanwhile, Andy Robertson subtly indicated potential changes ahead while chatting with Match of the Day. The Scottish left-back, entering the last year of his contract, acknowledged Liverpool's pursuit of a new left-back, with Kerkez on the radar.
Robertson hinted at reassessing his situation amidst the club's transfer activity. "Obviously, the club are going to have a busy summer, so we need to see where everyone stands," Robertson remarked. "But it's been a special time here, I loved my time here.
"It's been eight special years, and I've cherished every moment I've played in front of these fans, especially at Anfield. Today was special."
Harvey Elliott's emotional display on the pitch as tears flowed while hugging his father post-match has caught the attention of many, particularly after Liverpool's draw with Crystal Palace.
After capturing the heartfelt moment, Elliott took to Instagram to post the touching image alongside other snapshots from the day, captioning it: "Memories for life! Thank you reds."
He later celebrated the open top bus parade with another post expressing his unwavering love for the club, saying: "This club. These fans. This city, forever in my heart. Thank you for another incredible experience."
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott.
Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott faces an uncertain future (Image: Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
As Liverpool's sights are set on acquiring Wirtz, Elliott could find himself contending with even tougher competition to secure his place in the squad should he decide to stay.
Elliott's tearful moment on the field paired with his poignant Instagram posts have sparked fan speculation that he may be preparing to part ways with his childhood team when the summer comes.
Fans are drawing parallels with their speculations about Kostas Tsimikas, who also posted a reflective piece on social media following Liverpool's league victory. Just like Robertson, Tsimikas finds his own squad status possibly in jeopardy with Liverpool's ambitions to sign a fresh left-back.
The full-back shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo with the Premier League trophy, saying: "As a kid kicking a ball in Greece, I could never imagine this day – lifting the Premier League trophy as a Liverpool FC player.
"Five years at this club have taught me what it means to never walk alone: this city, this team, and these fans carried us through every step. I'm overwhelmed with pride in what we've achieved and gratitude for everyone who stood by us. We overcame every challenge together. Greek Scouser's heart is forever with Liverpool."