Liverpool’s loan department had a busy season in 2023/24, with a total of 20 players heading out to various clubs. While many players moved within the UK, there were also departures to Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Spain as those not in the first-team frame sought experience elsewhere. In this article, we will review how each Liverpool loanee performed and discuss their future prospects.
Sepp van den Berg had a productive loan spell at Mainz, where he established himself as a key starter in defense. He even scored a vital goal in their victory over Wolfsburg, securing their place in the Bundesliga for next season. There are reports of a purchase clause in his loan deal, which could lead to a permanent move to Mainz or a fight for a place at Liverpool.
Fabio Carvalho had a difficult time at Leipzig, starting only three times in the first half of the season. He made the brave decision to drop down to the Championship and join Hull, where he excelled as a false nine, scoring nine goals in 20 games. Carvalho will be back for pre-season at Liverpool, with the potential for a first-team role.
Tyler Morton joined Carvalho at Hull and established himself as a key player in midfield. He grew in stature and confidence during his second stint in the Championship and hopes to force his way into Liverpool’s squad next season. He will have the opportunity to impress during pre-season.
Nat Phillips struggled to break into Celtic’s side and made the switch to Cardiff midway through the season. He gained valuable game time at Cardiff, starting 17 consecutive games and scoring a goal. It is likely that Phillips will seek a permanent move elsewhere after eight years at Liverpool.
Owen Beck had a frustrating season in 2022/23 with unsuccessful loans at Famalicao and Bolton. However, he found success at Dundee, where he excelled as an attacking left wing-back. It is unclear what the future holds for Beck, but a permanent move to Scotland is not out of the question.
Luke Chambers spent the first half of the season splitting time between Liverpool’s first team and U21s before moving to Wigan. He immediately shone at Wigan, starting regularly at both center-back and left-back. Chambers will hope to form part of Liverpool’s long-term plans.
Calvin Ramsay had a wasted season, joining Preston too soon and struggling to make an impact. He even failed to force his way into the matchday squad after a mid-season move to Bolton. Ramsay has dropped below Conor Bradley in the pecking order and may need to consider leaving Liverpool.
Harvey Davies arrived at Crewe as the No. 1 goalkeeper but saw himself dropped after a series of mistakes. Despite this setback, he gained valuable experience in his first season in senior football. It is uncertain what the future holds for Davies, as Liverpool’s goalkeeping staff is departing.
Vitezslav Jaros had a successful loan spell at Sturm Graz, where he became the new No. 1 goalkeeper and won both the Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup. If Caoimhin Kelleher leaves, Jaros may be retained as the No. 2 at Liverpool.
Billy Koumetio struggled to gain a foothold at both USL Dunkerque and Blackburn, playing minimal minutes for both clubs. A permanent exit from Liverpool seems likely for Koumetio.
Dominic Corness made a brave decision to join Yverdon-Sport in Switzerland, gaining valuable experience outside his comfort zone. Though his season ended early due to injury, Corness featured 21 times for Yverdon and impressed during his time there.
Adam Lewis joined Newport County for a second successive season and established himself as a key player. However, Lewis’ contract at Liverpool expires this summer, which could lead to a permanent move to Newport.
James Norris had a difficult start to his loan spell at Tranmere but improved under new manager Nigel Adkins. He fought his way back into the side and returned to Liverpool’s U21s as a more mature player.
James Balagizi has been plagued by injuries, hindering his progress from academy prospect to senior player. He struggled to impose himself at Wigan and Kilmarnock and will likely require another loan to continue his development.
Luca Stephenson impressed in League Two, holding his own alongside much older players at Barrow. Another loan, potentially at a higher level, seems likely for Stephenson.
Jakub Ojrzynski’s loan spell at Den Bosch was complicated by a lack of clear planning and a mid-season replacement. A permanent exit from Liverpool would benefit Ojrzynski.
Anderson Arroyo joined his seventh and eighth loan clubs and enjoyed regular playing time in Spain. A full-time switch to Spain may be on the cards for Arroyo.
Luke Hewitson spent the season with non-league side Stalybridge Celtic, gaining valuable experience at senior level. He will depart Liverpool as a free agent.
Reece Trueman spent the second half of the season with Welsh side Colwyn Bay, aiding his development as a training goalkeeper. He will likely return to Liverpool’s academy for further training.
In conclusion, Liverpool’s loaned players had varying degrees of success during the 2023/24 season. Some players established themselves as key starters and may have a future at Liverpool, while others struggled to make an impact and may need to consider permanent moves away from the club. Pre-season will provide an opportunity for these players to showcase their abilities and earn a place in Liverpool’s first team.