Two recent pieces in the city’s press have been less than sympathetic, especially after Kewell’s name appeared in an English newspaper’s annual ‘rich list’.

The Sunday Times Rich List has estimated Kewell’s personal fortune at more than $20m but at least two comment pieces from journalists this week suggested Kewell’s stay on Merseyside has hardly been value for money.

Tony Barrett of the Liverpool Echo said: “If you were to ask any Liverpool fan if Kewell has done anything over the last five years to earn such a fortune, the answer would probably be no. It is hard to recall the last time he was considered a genuine Liverpool player – and that is why the vast wealth he has accumulated sticks in the craw of every Liverpool supporter.

“When Kewell leaves Anfield in the summer he will take his fortune with him – not to mention a European Cup winners medal – but he will also depart with the stigma of being viewed by many as the kind of footballer who embodies what is wrong with the modern game.

“The Anfield exit door is now opening for him and the saddest indictment of all is that, in an age when talented wingers are rare, no-one will be sad to see Kewell leave.”

The Daily Mail added: "Harry Kewell is leaving Liverpool as an expensive flop, having cost almost £160,000 a game over five years since joining them from Leeds.

"He made 138 appearances and scored just 16 goals after being signed by Gerard Houllier from Leeds for £5million in 2003 on a contract worth £60,000 a week.

"At 29, Kewell's time at Anfield is up. He has played just 18 games for Liverpool in the last two seasons, and it became clear that his appearance as a second-half substitute in the shock FA Cup defeat by Barnsley in February would be his last."

Also in the Echo, David Prentice expressed the view that Kewell will hardly go down in Anfield history, stating: “The Australian’s last sighting in a Liverpool jersey was in the FA Cup calamity to Barnsley, which is perhaps appropriate for one of the great underachieving careers in recent Anfield history.

“His lightweight contribution is all the more galling because the number seven shirt is so iconic at Liverpool Football Club.

“It’s the jersey of Dalglish and Keegan - one, the greatest footballer in the club’s history and the other the idolised superstar of Bill Shankly’s second great team.”