Liverpool have been forced to bid farewell to a few Anfield cult heroes this summer - a host of which have departed on free transfers.
Roberto Firmino has left Merseyside after a hugely successful stint and is available on a free transfer. Meanwhile, James Milner failed to agree terms on a new contract and has now put pen to paper on a move to Premier League rivals Brighton.
Whilst the pair have little left to prove in the game, the same cannot quite be said of a few players Liverpool have released in the past. Mirror Football takes a look at just a few examples that have come back to bite the Reds on the backside:
Brad Friedel
A legendary figure in the Premier League, the American represented the likes of Liverpool, Blackburn, Aston Villa and Tottenham before retiring. He hung up his gloves at the grand old age of 44.
Despite the huge success that he enjoyed in the top-flight of English football, Friedel only played 31 games for Liverpool over three seasons before joining Blackburn on a free transfer. It proved to be a disastrous decision as some of the Reds’ goalkeepers flattered to deceive at Anfield - the American being the perfect solution.
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Peter Gulacsi
Sticking with goalkeepers, Hungarian international Peter Gulacsi was afforded even less of a chance during his time at Anfield. Arriving as a young stopper from MTK Budapest, he was sent out on loan to the likes of Hereford, Tranmere and Hull before being released without a senior appearance to his name.
Gulacsi was picked up by Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg and invariably earned a move to RB Leipzig after two impressive seasons. He has enjoyed seven successful campaigns in Germany, establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, and helping Leipzig win two DFB-Pokals.
Suso
Initially a member of the Liverpool academy, Suso found first-team opportunities limited during his time on Merseyside. The Spanish winger was granted only 21 appearances for the Reds, scoring one goal.
Italian giants AC Milan banked on unleashing his promise as they swooped for his services on a free transfer. Despite initially struggling to break through into the first team, he found his stride and was a key player between 2016 and 2019.
He moved to Sevilla initially on loan and has enjoyed more success in his home country by winning two Europa League titles.
Conor Coady
Another to start his career in the Liverpool academy, he managed to get to the fringe of the first team. Coady's debut came in a Europa League clash with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in 2012.
He made just one more appearance before a loan spell with Sheffield United, whilst he was then released to join Huddersfield. Coady then moved to Wolves, where he enjoyed the majority of his success.
He played a key role in the Midlands side’s promotion, whilst he also led them in the Europa League. The defender was most recently back on Merseyside with a loan stint with Everton as the Toffees narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship.
Sergi Canos
Ranking Espanyol, Barcelona and Liverpool among the clubs to sign him during his fledgling career, Canos arrived at Anfield with considerable pedigree. The Spanish wideman made only one appearance for the Reds - that coming as a substitute in a 1-1 draw with West Brom.
He was allowed to join Norwich after a loan spell with Brentford but failed to settle at Carrow Road before then moving to West London once again. Canos played a key role in the Bees’ promotion to the Premier League but has seen opportunities dry up over the past few years.
He joined Greek side Olympiacos on loan during the second half of last season but saw his stint hugely disrupted by injury.
Gabriel Paletta
After making his name with Banfield, Italian international Paletta signed for the Reds in the summer of 2006. The centre-back did not last long on Merseyside as he made just eight appearances in his debut campaign and moved back to South America with Boca Juniors.
Paletta has since forged a successful career in Italy by representing Parma and Atalanta, whilst he has also played a key role in Monza’s climb from the third tier all the way up to Serie A. He was released back in February.
Emiliano Insua
As part of the deal that saw Paletta leave Liverpool, Argentine defender Insua arrived at the club. Despite making 44 appearances during his final season, he quit the club for a loan spell with Galatasaray.
He was then allowed to join Sporting Lisbon. Atletico Madrid was then his next port of call as he helped the Spanish side to the LaLiga title, the Copa Del Rey and a place in the 2014 Champions League final.
The 34-year-old is actually still playing with Racing Club after spells with Stuttgart, LA Galaxy and Aldosivi.
