One Liverpool player has revealed he intends to depart the Merseyside club when his contract expires this summer.
Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson are both just months away from seeing their current deals run out. Meanwhile, first-team squad members Freddie Woodman and Trey Nyoni are also set to leave at the end of the campaign as it stands.
Another name nearing the end of his agreement is Oakley Cannonier — famously the ball boy who swiftly returned the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the iconic corner against FC Barcelona in 2019. Now 21, Cannonier has made it clear he is seeking a new chapter away from Anfield.
Cannonier Confirms Summer Exit
Speaking to The Athletic, the young forward admitted he will not be extending his stay at Liverpool F.C., citing a lack of opportunities caused largely by recurring hamstring injuries and increased competition within the academy ranks.
Reflecting honestly on his situation, he said:
“I will leave at the end of the season and am just looking for regular games. At my age, that’s all I want.
“The last 18 months have been really tough with no matches to look forward to. You train all week and then there’s nothing at the end of it. It’s been pretty frustrating.”
Injuries Halted His Progress
After a sensational 2021/22 Under-18 Premier League season — scoring 28 goals in 26 matches and earning a professional contract — Cannonier’s momentum stalled. Since then, he has featured only 22 times as injuries disrupted his development.
He even underwent a trial with Leeds United F.C. last year and was expected to join their under-21 side. However, the move collapsed when the Elland Road club failed to secure a first-team target, forcing Cannonier to return to Liverpool.
Previously, he expressed a desire to be remembered for more than just his involvement in one of Anfield’s most unforgettable goals — the famous comeback on 7 May 2019. Considering he is only a year younger than Florian Wirtz, it’s understandable that he now wants consistent senior football to reignite his career.
With the likes of Jayden Danns moving ahead in the pecking order for first-team opportunities, Cannonier clearly feels a fresh start is necessary to achieve the senior breakthrough that has so far eluded him.
While it’s unfortunate that his potential may not fully materialise at Liverpool, pursuing regular football elsewhere appears to be a sensible step. A new environment could finally allow him to build a reputation defined by his performances on the pitch — rather than a single, unforgettable moment from years ago.
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