It’s the end of the 2014-2015 season and the managers have already started rebuilding their squads ahead of the upcoming season. Here is a list of all the major players released from their respective clubs.
For the Premier League champions, the major release comes in the form of 37-year-old Didier Drogba, who was brought in on a free transfer last summer.
As for Arsenal, they have decided to part ways with midfielder, Abou Diaby who has only played 121 league games for the Gunners since joining in 2006. Other departures include Ryo Miyaichi, Josh Vickers, Austin Lipman and Semi Ajayi.
Frank Lampard will no longer be available to provide his services for Manchester City as his loan from New York City FC comes to an end. The former Chelsea midfielder scored six goals in 32 appearances and helped the team finish in second place just behind Chelsea with 79 points. Micah Richards (179 games) who was loaned to Fiorentina this past season also departs the club along with John Guidetti.
Manchester United’s Tom Cleverley – who spent last season on loan at Aston Villa – will be moving to Everton once his contract expires next month while Ben Amos, Tom Thorpe and Ryan McConnell are also released.
Liverpool have also announced the departure of some big names. As we all know, Steven Gerrard parted ways with the club after serving 17 years to his boyhood club and will be joining the LA Galaxy in the MLS. Glen Johnson is also a free agent after playing 160 games for the club since joining in 2009 while Brad Jones and Jordan Lussey are some of the other names.
Aston Villa – who have gone through a mixed year from potentially getting relegated to an unexpected run in the FA Cup, reaching the finals – have had a huge summer clear out with Ron Vlaar, Darren Bent, Graham Burke, Craig Hill and eight more being released.
Shola Ameobi and Brede Hangeland will leave Crystal Palace while Leicester City have released 10 players, among which are Paul Gallagher.
Jonas Gutierrez and Ryan Taylor will not be offered new contracts as Newcastle United have confirmed. Both players were shocked as they harshly received the confirmation via a phone call.
Six players will leave the Southampton club after the season ended on a good note for Ronald Koeman’s side. Jos Hooiveld, Artur Boruc, Cody Cropper, Omar Rowe, Jake Sinclair and Chris Johns have been released from their contracts.
As for Stoke City, goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and long serving defender Andy Wilkinson will be leaving after seven and 15 years of service to the club respectively.
Former Manchester United player, Wes Brown and six youngsters are set to leave Sunderland with most the players leaving from the Under 21 squad.
Swansea City have announced the exit of Alan Tate and goalkeeper, Gerhard Tremmel. Tate served the club for 12 long years while the German, Tremmel made 53 appearances for them.
Tottenham Hotspur will release seven players, most notably former Barcelona player Cristian Ceballos while.West Brom Albion have released the likes of Wesley Atkinson, Aaron Birch and Jason Davidson.
Lastly, West Ham United will release Kieran Bywater, Daniel Potts along with six other players.
