Liverpool confirm four players including Roberto Firmino to leave the club this summer

Liverpool have confirmed that four players will be released at the end of their contracts next month.

The list is headed up by Roberto Firmino, who was widely expected to depart the club prior to the official confirmation this afternoon.

In addition, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave Anfield at the conclusion of their current deals.

Milner is reportedly in talks with Brighton over a summer move, as per the Daily Mail, which will now be on a free transfer following the confirmation of his Liverpool exit.

Keita has suffered from a number of injury problems throughout the season, and has not featured in any of Liverpool's last 14 games. His last appearance for the club appears likely to be February's 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.

Oxlade-Chamberlain missed the first three months of the season through injury, but did return to make 13 appearances in all competitions. However, he has not been named in a matchday squad since the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on April 1.

Firmino, meanwhile, started the campaign in superb form, and has nine goals in 23 Premier League appearances to his name. He, too, has suffered from injury problems, missing the last six games. However, manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed hope that he will be fit to take on Aston Villa at Anfield this weekend.

All four players have won a Premier League and Champions League trophy with the club, with Firmino going down as one of Liverpool's greatest players of the modern era.

What have Liverpool said?

In an official statement on their club website, Liverpool said: "Liverpool FC can confirm Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will leave the club upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.

"The quartet will each embark on new chapters in their careers following the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, having helped the Reds lift a host of the game's biggest honours during their spells at Anfield.

"With the visit of Aston Villa on Saturday being the Reds' final home fixture of the campaign, special acknowledgements will be paid to the quartet at Anfield, with further tributes to follow across the club's digital platforms after the end of the season as we wish Roberto, Naby, James, Alex and their families the very best for the future.

"All four players will depart with our gratitude and appreciation for the contribution they have made."