Former England international Jake Livermore finds himself without a club after being released by Watford. This is not the first time Livermore has faced this situation, as he was let go by West Bromwich Albion just a year ago. Despite playing 32 times for Watford and scoring three goals during the season, Livermore’s departure was announced after the club’s disappointing 15th-placed finish in the Championship. Two other senior players, goalkeeper Ben Hamer and forward Ashley Fletcher, were also released and will become free agents when their contracts expire on June 30.
Livermore’s career has seen its ups and downs. After a successful trial, he earned a one-year deal with Watford following his six-and-a-half-year stint at West Brom. It was during his time at West Brom that Livermore received a call-up to the England national team. He earned seven caps and was even named on the standby list for the 2018 World Cup under Gareth Southgate. This marked a remarkable turnaround for Livermore, considering the difficult circumstances he faced earlier in his career.
In April 2015, Livermore tested positive for cocaine while playing for Hull City. He revealed that he had struggled to cope with the tragic death of his baby boy, who staff claimed was not born alive. Livermore, however, insisted that he heard his baby cry faintly. The Football Association took into account the overwhelming mitigating factor of his son’s death and opted against imposing a ban on him. Livermore’s mental health suffered as a result of the harrowing events, and he battled with depression.
Livermore’s journey to professional football started at his local club, Tottenham Hotspur. However, he was unable to secure a regular spot in the first team and was sent out on loan to several clubs including MK Dons, Crewe Alexandra, Derby County, Peterborough United, Ipswich Town, and Leeds United. It was his season-long loan at Hull City in 2013/2014 that led to his permanent departure from Tottenham. He made 92 Premier League appearances for Hull and added another 68 to his tally during his time at West Brom.
Livermore’s release from Watford leaves him in search of a new club. Despite the challenges he has faced throughout his career, Livermore’s experience and skill could be valuable assets for teams in need of midfield reinforcements. As the transfer window heats up, it will be interesting to see where Livermore lands and how he continues to navigate the ups and downs of professional football.