Each year, as with any of the big clubs, LFC ship out a selection of out of favour irregulars and up-and-coming prospects on loan. This transfer window has been no different and the steady flow of loan moves away from Anfield will likely continue. 21 year old and highly rated attacking midfielder Joao Teixeira is the latest player to be sent away to temporarily ply their trade elsewhere, and will play for former fans favourite Sami Hyypia down in Brighton. Fans will want to keep a keen eye on how these players do in their new colours. Here’s a run down of the Liverpool loanees as they’ll be playing this season.
Divock Origi (Lille)
No sooner was the lightning quick Belgian welcomed through the doors at Melwood was he popped swiftly on a return flight. Origi will continue where he left off at French club Lille, the clubs the reds have signed him from for approximately £10million. Regarded as a highly talented striker, Origi featured heavily in Belgium’s World Cup campaign and even kept new Everton record signing, Romelu Lukaku, out of the starting line up. Reds fans will be keeping a keen eye on this one, as perhaps the most exciting Liverpool loanee.
Luis Alberto (Malaga)
Luis Alberto, bit-part player for the season but brought in last summer for a hefty £7million fee, the midfielder has gone on loan to Spanish team Malaga. Alberto has been in fine form during pre season scoring three goals, including a sumptuous free kick against Adelaide United. He will want to perform well in La Liga, and begin to show Reds fans why the club parted with their money to bring him to Anfield. Obviously technically talented, it will be nice to see the 21-year-old continue his development and give himself every opportunity to come back and mean business.
Iago Aspas (Sevilla)
Where to start with Iago Aspas? The Spaniard had an interesting first season to say the least and his paltry return of just one goal (vs. Oldham in the FA Cup) hardly endeared him to the Anfield faithful. The 26 year old has signed for Sevilla on a one year loan and not without causing controversy, apparently urging Alberto Moreno not to join his parent club. Whether lost in translation or otherwise, the forward will be looking to rediscover the form of his Celta Vigo days which led to many seeing him as somewhat of a coup when Liverpool snapped him up for £7.7million last summer.
Andre Wisdom (West Bromwich Albion)
A Premier League loan seems like a wise move for young Andre, and fans will be watching eagerly to see how he performs whilst playing regularly in the top flight. Following a loan at promotion chasing Championship side Derby last season, Wisdom will look to help consolidate the Baggies’ Premier League status this term. Clearly rated highly by Brendan Rodgers it could be a crucial loan period for the defender.
Joao Teixeira (Brighton and Hove Albion)
As mentioned earlier, Joao Teixeira has moved on loan to Championship outfit Brighton. The Liverpool link obviously smoothed negotiations here as former LFC captain Sami Hyypia brings in the attacking midfielder in a move that will surely suit all interested parties. Although recognised as a young man with plenty of ability, Teixeira has found first team appearances few and far between, and a loan move is exactly what he may need to continue his development.
Brad Smith (Swindon Town)
Finally, Brad Smith has moved on loan to Swindon Town. The 20-year-old made his first team debut in the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last December, and has featured prominently for the Under-21’s. Capable of playing at left back or left wing, the Australian born prospect be looking to cement his place in the first team, and play regular football before heading back to Liverpool.
Which Liverpool loanee do you think will impress the most whilst away from the club? What do you make of the loan system as a whole? Let us know your views in the comments section below.
