Liverpool Poised to Recall Center-Back in January After Zero Loan Games

Liverpool are likely to complete the first of many recalls in the January transfer window, with Rhys Williams’ loan term at Aberdeen coming to an end.

LEYLAND, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 18, 2023: Liverpool's Rhys Williams during the Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Blackburn Rovers FC Under-21's and Liverpool FC Under-21's at the County Ground. (Pic by Jessica Hornby/Propaganda)

While Liverpool agreed to loan out 17 players before the summer deadline, several of those players have had a disappointing season thus far.

Decisions on Fabio Carvalho, James Balagizi, and James Norris are likely to be made when the January transfer window approaches and teams are permitted to conduct business again.

Liverpool recall defender Rhys Williams from loan spell at Blackpool | The Independent

Nat Phillips is expected to return following a tough half-season with Celtic, while Luke Hewitson’s contract at Stalybridge Celtic is also set to end.

This season has been extremely disappointing for Williams, the 22-year-old centre-back, who has failed to earn a single first-team game for Aberdeen.

Having wanted to be a first-team starter, a problematic back issue that expanded to his calves caused his acclimation to suffer an early setback.

Rhys Williams savouring valuable time with "best set of defenders in the world" - Liverpool FC - This Is Anfield

Williams has yet to be included to a Scottish Premiership matchday squad since his recovery, and he has been an unused replacement in all five Europa League group games.

His single appearance for Aberdeen U21s came in August, when they lost to Peterhead in the Scottish Challenge Cup, and he is now set to return to Liverpool.

According to the Mail, the club is “considering recalling” the Englishman, though the likelihood of this happening is extremely high.

Another Liverpool injury scare? Rhys Williams left out of England U21s clash as a 'precaution' with Reds running out of centre-backs | talkSPORT

Williams is expected to return to “ease the burden” on Jurgen Klopp’s defensive ranks following Joel Matip’s season-ending injury.

But he has little chance of breaking into the first-team squad, especially if Phillips returns to Merseyside after a rough spell with Celtic.

More likely, a new loan will be sought for Williams, who was essential in the injury-plagued 2020/21 season but has since fallen down the pecking order.

Loan Watch: Rhys Williams Impresses For Swansea In Debut - The Liverpool Offside

A similar decision might be made for Norris, who is fighting for minutes at Tranmere, while Carvalho’s failure to break into Marco Rose’s plans at RB Leipzig may result in his stint being cut short if at all feasible.

Balagizi is now out with a hamstring injury, and after only 86 minutes in three League One games, his time at Wigan could be coming to an end.