With Liverpool nearing closer to securing their 20th league title, Arne Slot will have his eye on players out on loan who could improve his soon-to-be Premier League champions.
Slot overlooking the fringe members of his Liverpool squad may have cost him his chance of a trophy-laden debut season, meaning he is unlikely to do so again.
However, some of these players will have to do more than most, to earn their way into his good graces to gain passage into the first team.
The progression of the likes of Harvey Elliott, Conor Bradley and Jarell Quansah suggests that Liverpool’s loan system is a pathway to the first team if executed correctly.
This loan report is indicative that the future champions will have a lot to look forward as the AXA Training Centre aims to replicate the glorious feats of Melwood.
Stefan Bajcetic – Las Palmas
After a failed stint at RB Salzburg in the first half of the season, midfielder Stefan Bajcetic returned to his native Spain to rediscover his form with La Liga newcomers Las Palmas.
The recently promoted side are currently in the midst of a relegation battle in Spain’s top flight, with just six wins and two points adrift from safety.
Playing as a deep-lying playmaker in a 4-2-3-1, Bajcetic is currently averaging 18.3 (73.1%) accurate passes per game and has started the last five matches for Las Palmas.
The Spaniard scored on his second start for the club, against Mallorca, with a first-time half-volley into the bottom right corner and has quickly made himself a fan favourite in Gran Canaria.
Since being deployed at centre half for a couple of games, Bajcetic has been forced to work on expanding his passing range by playing more long balls.
Despite his small stature, the Spaniard’s agility and deftness on the ball have made him a useful tool in beating the first line of the press.
Ryan Gravenberch’s dip in form has largely been down to fatigue and Bacjetic’s renewal in Spain could make him the perfect cover, should Arne Slot decide to keep him at Anfield next season.
Lewis Koumas – Stoke City
Nineteen-year old Lewis Koumas has endured a rather tumultuous season on loan at Stoke City, having played under four managers already.
But that hasn’t derailed his confidence at all, with the winger making 37 appearances in the Championship this season, the joint most of any outfielder in the side.
Deployed on the right wing of the Potters’ attack, the raw pace and dynamism have resulted in Koumas registering an astounding 68 progressive carries, second only to Bae Junho (77).
Stoke sit just one point above the relegation zone in the Championship, but under the guidance of veteran Mark Robins, Koumas will hope to push on and secure his side’s safety by the end of the season.
With three goals and two assists, the Welshman was also subject of interest by Premier League side Crystal Palace in January but another loan move next season seems a likely outcome.
Nat Phillips – Derby County
The 28-year old quickly became a fan favourite among Liverpool fans in 2021, as he played a key part in securing Champions League qualification for the following season.
However, one Cruyff turn at the San Siro and nearly four years later, Phillips finds himself at Championship strugglers Derby County in an attempt to rediscover his form.
Since the appointment of John Eustace in February, the Rams have picked up three wins out of six, with Phillips playing a large hand in their most recent win over Plymouth Argyle.
He did well to get on the end of a long throw-in to assist Marcus Harness for the opener but unfortunately put the ball in his own net in the second half.
Phillips’ aerial dominance continues to be his greatest asset and with 1,516 minutes under his belt already, this loan is comparatively proving to be very fruitful.
The centre-half looks settled in a back three, meaning chances of a future at Anfield look slim to none, especially with his contract expiring in the summer.
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Giorgi Mamardashvili – Valencia
Unbeknownst to some, a future Liverpool signing has been thriving in Valencia but intends to stake his claim for the No. 1 spot at Anfield next season.
Giorgi Mamardashvilli has stated that he is willing to fight for his place in the starting XI alongside seasoned veteran Alisson Becker.
But before that, he will play a key hand in deciding Valencia’s fate in La Liga, as one of Spain’s most historic clubs find themselves just one point above the relegation zone.
Having already conceded 40 goals this season, Mamardashvilli seems certain to concede more than last season’s total (41) with thirteen games to spare, though there are other factors to consider.
While the club’s trajectory has taken a steep decline this season, the 24-year-old is a key figure in the Georgian national team setup, who have recently secured qualification to Nations League B.
With Caoimhin Kelleher set to leave in the summer, Mamardashvilli will arrive as Liverpool’s 2nd goalkeeper but it is clear that he is Richard Hughes’ first choice to succeed Alisson, whose contract expires in 2027, with no new contract talks afoot.