Fabio Carvalho Returns to Liverpool After Failed Loan Spell at RB Leipzig
Liverpool midfielder Fabio Carvalho has returned to the club following a disappointing loan spell at RB Leipzig. However, it is unlikely that the 21-year-old will feature for Liverpool again this season. Carvalho made just three starts in 15 games and played a total of 360 minutes during his time at Leipzig, leading to the cancellation of his loan on New Year’s Eve.
Carvalho is expected to go out on loan again for the remainder of the season, with Fulham, Southampton, and Leicester all showing interest in acquiring his services. However, due to FIFA rules, if Carvalho were to play for Liverpool this season, it would effectively block any subsequent loan move. According to the regulations, players can only be registered with a maximum of three clubs in one season and can only play official matches for two clubs during that period.
Despite speculation over Carvalho’s potential involvement in Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures, including an FA Cup third-round clash with Arsenal, it is clear that he will not be able to participate due to the FIFA regulations mentioned earlier. While Carvalho could still feature for the U21s to maintain his fitness, he cannot play first-team football for three clubs in one season.
The same situation applies to other players like Nat Phillips, Owen Beck, and Rhys Williams, who have either returned to Liverpool or are in the process of being recalled. Phillips’ loan spell at Celtic has ended mutually, and he is expected to depart again. However, due to a shortage of defenders following Joel Matip’s ACL injury, Phillips may stay as cover. Williams, on the other hand, has not played a single minute for Aberdeen’s first team and lacks match fitness.
Beck’s recall from Dundee on New Year’s Day was an interesting move, especially considering injuries to Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. It is likely that Beck has been brought back to fill in for the injured Joe Gomez as the de facto first-choice left-back this month.
However, if Beck were to play in the upcoming cup match against Arsenal, it would prevent him from going on loan to any other club, except for a potential reunion with Dundee. It is important for Liverpool to carefully consider the implications of player appearances to ensure they can make the most effective use of their loan options for the remainder of the season.