Liverpool talent posts emotional farewell message after transfer exit confirmed

Melkamu Frauendorf has expressed his gratitude to Liverpool’s players and staff in a heartfelt message after leaving the club on a free transfer. The 20-year-old midfielder has returned to Germany, signing for 2. Bundesliga side Hannover 96 after a four-year spell at Anfield.

Liverpool originally signed the Ethiopian-born player from Hoffenheim when he was just 16, with the Bundesliga side receiving training compensation for their role in his development.

Frauendorf, who captained Germany at youth level, began his journey with the Reds under Marc Bridge-Wilkinson at under-16s before moving up to the under-21s. He made his first appearance for Liverpool during the match in the FA Cup third round against Shrewsbury Town in 2022 and received his first start 10 months later in the Carabao Cup against Derby County.

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The Germany under-19 international is one of seven academy prospects to leave Liverpool as their contracts expire, alongside Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara. It was announced this week that he will return to Germany, initially joining Die Roten’s U23s as part of his recovery from injury in the third tier of German football.

“As I enter a new chapter in my career at Hannover 96 Football Club, today is the day to say goodbye and thank you for the four wonderful years I spent at the Liverpool Academy,” he wrote on Instagram. “I couldn’t have asked for better training conditions, and my special thanks go to my coaches and all my teammates.”

“Thanks to all the staff, especially the kitchen staff, for the absolutely delicious food and thanks to my teachers who helped me succeed in my language classes,” he added. “To all the fans who made it special to represent the Club at matches: Thank you!

“The hardest part of leaving Liverpool was saying goodbye to my host family, you are definitely more family than host parents to me and I will miss life with you and all the children in the house. There is no way to thank you enough for everything you have done for me. All the best to everyone.”

Liverpool.com says: Frauendorf always looked like a good player at youth level, but he wasn’t ready for the step up to the seniors. There’s still a bit of a question about his best position, though he should be able to figure that out with more regular playing time. Will welcome him back to Germany and should have a good career ahead of him.