Key clause missing as Klopp hierarchy prompts Liverpool to sanction loan
Liverpool have reportedly agreed to send Ben Davies on a season-long loan to Sheffield United – but the terms of the deal suggest he could still have an Anfield future.
Davies was an emergency signing for Liverpool in January after injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. The centre-back arrived on a permanent transfer from Preston North End to provide cover. But injury issues of his own have prevented him from making a single appearance for the club.
With last season’s absentees ready to return and Ibrahima Konate also arriving, Davies will not get many chances at Liverpool this season. Therefore, the club have been working out the best solution for him.
Having just turned 26, Davies is at a phase of his career in which he would be expecting to play regularly. That won’t happen at Liverpool, so he is set to drop back down to the Championship.
According to Sky Sports, Sheffield United have agreed a deal to take him on loan for the season. Blades boss Slavisa Jokanovic has already confirmed their interest and the move is expected to go through in the early days of next week.
Still under contract until 2025, Davies could yet have a Liverpool future, even though it seems unlikely. Crucially, the report adds that Sheffield United will not have an option to buy him at the end of the loan.
They will also pay a fee for Davies’ services this season. In addition, they will owe a bonus if they win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
It means Davies’ dreams of making it at Liverpool will have to be put on hold for a year. But he will be keen to prove himself again in a league in which he has performed well in the not-too-distant past.
Interestingly, Sky add that Jurgen Klopp would have liked to keep Davies around for the season ahead. However, he was also impressed with academy graduate Rhys Williams in pre-season.
Therefore, Klopp has sanctioned Davies’ departure on temporary terms. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Williams will stick around to learn his trade further after making 19 appearances last season.
Incomings unlikely at Liverpool
In terms of signings of their own, Klopp has cast doubt on the chances of a final flourish in the market.
“We all know the situation of Chelsea, we all know the situation of City and PSG. What Man Utd’s doing exactly, I don’t know how they do it,” he said.
“We have our way and that’s always been the same. We are allowed to spend the money we earn and that’s what we always did.
“This season we spent before we earned on Ibou [Konate] because it was clear we cannot take any risks in that position at all.”
Even so, they are now willing to let Davies leave so he can find frequent minutes again.
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