Liverpool midfielder Matteo Ritaccio, who joined the club in 2018, has reportedly left the team after not being included on their retained list for the upcoming season. Ritaccio, who arrived at Liverpool at the age of 16, had shown promise during his time with the U18s squad. He signed his first professional contract in 2019 but was plagued by injuries that hindered his progress to the U23s.
Ritaccio’s last appearance for Liverpool was in 2021, during a 4-1 defeat to Bolton in the EFL Trophy. Unfortunately, he left the pitch in tears after sustaining yet another injury. Following an unsuccessful loan spell with Charleston Battery in the United States, Ritaccio has made only sporadic appearances at Liverpool’s training center.
Reports suggest that Ritaccio’s departure from Liverpool may have occurred as early as January of this year. His profile has been removed from the club’s official website, and it is believed that he has returned to the US permanently. Although his contract with Liverpool was supposed to run until the end of the 2023/24 season, it is likely that an agreement was reached for his early release.
In addition to Ritaccio, another player not included on Liverpool’s retained list is goalkeeper Oscar Kelly. However, it was expected that Kelly would transition into a coaching role within the academy. Eight academy players in total were released by Liverpool, including notable names like Mateusz Musialowski, Melkamu Frauendorf, and Adam Lewis.
On a more positive note, goalkeeper Nathan Morana had his scholarship extended for a second year. The 18-year-old has been a regular presence in the U18s squad and will continue his development within the Liverpool academy.
These recent developments highlight the challenges and uncertainties faced by young players striving to make their mark in professional football. Injuries can have a significant impact on a player’s progress and opportunities for advancement. While Ritaccio’s time at Liverpool did not go as planned, his journey serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination required in the pursuit of a football career.