Calvin Ramsay's Liverpool career appears to be heading towards a permanent conclusion as new manager Arne Slot begins implementing changes at Anfield. The Scottish defender, who arrived with considerable promise just two years ago, now finds himself on the periphery of the Dutch manager's plans.
From Rising Star to Anfield Outcast
The 20-year-old right-back joined Liverpool from Aberdeen in the summer of 2022 for an initial £4.2 million, with the deal potentially rising to £6.5 million with add-ons. Ramsay was highly regarded during his time in Scotland, making 39 appearances for Aberdeen and earning recognition as the Scottish Football Writers' Association and Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year.
However, his time on Merseyside has been plagued by misfortune and limited opportunities. Ramsay managed just two senior appearances for Liverpool before being loaned out to gain experience.
Loan Spells Fail to Reignite Career
Last season saw Ramsay endure a challenging loan spell at Preston North End, where he made only two Championship appearances. The move to Deepdale was intended to provide regular first-team football, but injuries and competition for places limited his impact.
Prior to his Preston stint, Ramsay spent time with Bolton Wanderers, where he featured more regularly but failed to convince Liverpool's hierarchy that he was ready for Premier League football.
What This Means for Liverpool's Defence
With Ramsay likely departing, Liverpool's right-back position remains firmly in the hands of Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Joe Gomez providing cover. The potential departure signals Arne Slot's intention to assess every position in the squad and make decisive changes where necessary.
Liverpool are expected to be active in the summer transfer window as Slot puts his stamp on the team he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. The Dutch manager will be looking to build a squad capable of challenging Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title next season.
What Next for Calvin Ramsay?
Preston North End appears the most likely destination for a permanent move, with manager Ryan Lowe having previously expressed interest in securing the defender's services long-term. A return to Scotland hasn't been ruled out, though Championship football seems the probable next step for the young full-back.
Ramsay's situation serves as a reminder of how difficult the transition can be from Scottish football to the Premier League, even for the most promising talents. At just 20 years old, he still has time to rebuild his career and fulfill the potential that initially attracted Liverpool's interest.