Xhaka, Firmino, Kane and the Premier League stars who played their final games

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 28 May 2023 18:20 BST
• 3 min read

The final game of each Premier League season marks the end of an era for clubs but also for individual players. In some special cases, these overlap.

The last day of the 2022/23 season was no different, with many iconic players turning out in their current colours for one last time.

Perhaps the best example of this was Roberto Firmino. A Liverpool player since arriving from Hoffenheim in 2015, he had long since announced his intention to depart the club on a free transfer at the end of his contract.

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The Brazilian was given a rousing send off in his final home match against Aston Villa last week, getting a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw, but he was also on target at St Mary’s, where an encounter against Southampton was his last in Liverpool colours.

With 11 league goals this season, the 31-year-old will be missed by the Reds.

Meanwhile, Liverpool could also say goodbye to Fabinho, James Milner and goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who all started.

In perhaps a more surprising transfer, Granit Xhaka will leave Arsenal to sign for Bayer Leverkusen this summer for around €15m. This deal has not been announced yet, but it is an open secret.

Xhaka isn’t noted for his goal scoring, yet he marked his final Gunners appearance with a double in a victory over Wolves at home.

The Gunners did not start any other players who look destined to leave, although there are doubts over Thomas Partey’s future.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could have seen the last of Harry Kane in their colours. A deal for the England international does not appear to be well advanced, yet Spurs’ struggles mean that he is unlikely to remain at the club for next season. His desire to play Champions League football is well known. He marked what might be his last appearance for the club with a double.

Across London, Tottenham's mess is eclipsed only by Chelsea. Who might depart Stamford Bridge this summer is anyone's guess. Kepa, Cesar Azpilicueta, Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz are the likeliest to go of those who started.

At Manchester United, Erik ten Hag still has the FA Cup final to look forward to next weekend, but Harry Maguire is unlikely to be involved in that encounter except in an emergency. The Premier League fixture against Fulham may be the last time he plays for the club.

Fred is another who could leave, but this is less certain.

Manchester City, meanwhile, fielded a much-changed side against Bournemouth but any outgoing stars - Bernardo Silva being the obvious example - are likely to be used in either the FA Cup final or the Champions League final as they chase the treble.