Liverpool face upcoming transfer decisions. January transfer activities for Liverpool appear subdued, especially concerning new signings.
While Liverpool remain open to potential transfers, only specific players fit the bill for them. Notable mentions include Virgil van Dijk, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo. However, fans shouldn’t expect major squad additions under Jurgen Klopp.
Despite the calm, Liverpool have already taken action on some fronts. Fabio Carvalho’s stint at RB Leipzig ended early due to limited play opportunities. Despite 16 Bundesliga appearances, he struggled to secure a consistent spot.
In another move, Liverpool opted to bring back Owen Beck from Dundee. Beck, 21, performed impressively in Scotland, registering two goals and two assists across 20 matches. His return aligns with the absence of both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, ensuring defensive cover.
In truth, the pair may not be the only loanees who are also brought back to Anfield prematurely. Liverpool will be assessing each situation – and there could be more players who have temporary moves away from the Reds curtailed.
Calvin Ramsay
Since crossing the border 18 months ago, the right-back has faced numerous challenges. Liverpool secured the promising Scottish talent for a sum that could reach £6.5 million from Aberdeen in 2022.
However, a pre-existing back problem emerged during his medical, sidelining him at the start of the previous season. After just two outings for the Reds, which notably included his full debut against Derby County in the Carabao Cup, he suffered a knee injury in February that necessitated surgery.
Given his setbacks, it was a logical decision for Ramsay to be loaned out for the 2023-24 season. Preston North End took him on, aiming to provide him with consistent playing time. Yet, his tenure at the Championship club has been far from smooth, as he grappled with health issues, including a bout of Covid-19.
Although currently fit, Ramsay finds himself out of favor under Lilywhites manager Ryan Lowe, notably absent from the last six match-day squads.
Lowe said: “Ramsay is fit and available. He had Covid, so was a little bit out and the squad was the squad. We kept the squad we felt was probably needed and he just didn’t make the squad. They’ve just got to make sure they are all ready, Calvin included.”
Since Liverpool brought Ramsay on board with future prospects in mind, they’ll need to ensure he gets consistent playtime to prevent his development from stalling.
Rhys Williams
Klopp holds immense gratitude for the contributions of the academy talent during the 2020-21 season. Facing an injury crisis with key players like Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, and Joe Gomez out of action, Williams, alongside Nat Phillips, delivered commendable performances.
Their efforts played a pivotal role in Liverpool securing a surprising third-place finish in the Champions League qualification.
Nevertheless, the trajectory of the 22-year-old’s career hasn’t followed the anticipated path. The 2022-23 season saw him loaned out to Swansea and Blackpool, where he featured in a total of 25 matches.
A move to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership was seen as an opportunity for a fresh start. Yet, halfway through the season at Pittodrie, Williams has only managed a single appearance. A pre-season injury has hindered his chances, preventing him from making a mark in the Dons’ lineup.
James Balagizi
The midfielder has showcased his talents for England across various age groups, ranging from under-16 to under-20. Balagizi, however, has encountered several challenges in his career. In the initial half of a recent season, he played for League Two’s Crawley, where he netted two goals in 16 matches before facing an injury that kept him out of action for some time.
Transitioning to the League One with Wigan Athletic, Balagizi’s journey has seen similar challenges. At 20 years old, he has only participated in eight matches so far, with his most recent appearance dated 14 November. Reflecting on this, Latics manager Shaun Maloney commented in early December:
“We’ll allow him and Liverpool to decide what happens,” added Maloney. “We’ll leave that to them, whether he goes back for a week or two. But we’re more than happy to keep him here with us, because we’ve got a good group here with the medical department.”
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