Liverpool have officially announced that 12 players will leave the club this month when their contracts expire, including a player who played a small but memorable role in one of Anfield’s most iconic nights.
The Reds had already confirmed that senior players including Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Ibrahima Konaté and Rhys Williams would depart on free transfers this summer. On Tuesday, Liverpool also revealed that eight academy players have been released.
Those leaving the academy setup are Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, James Balagizi, DJ Bernard, Oakley Cannonier, Josh Davidson, Terence Miles and Jacob Poytress. The club thanked all of them for their efforts during their time on Merseyside.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have offered new contracts to Prince Cisse, Keyrol Figueroa, Kyle Kelly, Afolami Onanuga, Oliver O’Connor, Lucas Pitt, Ben Trueman and Matthew Wright.
Among the released players, Oakley Cannonier is perhaps the most recognizable name. He became an unlikely figure in Liverpool folklore in May 2019 when, just a day after turning 15, he quickly returned the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold before the famous corner that led to Divock Origi scoring in Liverpool’s unforgettable Champions League comeback against FC Barcelona at Anfield.
Cannonier later impressed at youth level, scoring 33 goals in 37 appearances for Liverpool’s under-18 side. However, he found it more difficult to maintain that form with the under-21s and never made a competitive senior appearance for the Reds.
Now 22, the striker has seen his development disrupted by recurring hamstring injuries. Earlier this year, he confirmed plans to leave Liverpool in pursuit of regular first-team football.
A trial with Leeds United in 2025 showed promise, with Cannonier registering two assists in one match, but a permanent move failed to materialize after the club changed its transfer plans.
The next chapter of Cannonier’s career will be an intriguing one. The former academy striker, remembered by many for his part in Liverpool’s historic night against Barcelona, will now look to revive his career and establish himself elsewhere.
