Nathaniel Clyne could be allowed to leave Liverpool in the January transfer window, with Cardiff City emerging as a possible destination for the right-back.
Clyne has failed to fight his way back into contention after a back injury ruled him out for the majority of last season, relinquishing his spot to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
While the 20-year-old’s rise continues for both club and country, acknowledged with his place among the final five nominees for the European Golden Boy award, Clyne has remained out of the picture.
His sole appearance came against Chelsea in the League Cup and he has been in Jurgen Klopp‘s matchday squad just one other time this season, with his only other outing coming with the U23s.
Still only 27 and an England international, Clyne is an accomplished Premier League defender, and his marginalisation at Anfield has attracted Cardiff.
That is according to WalesOnline, who claim Neil Warnock is interested in potential loan deal for a player he previously managed at Crystal Palace.
It is reported that the Bluebirds are pursuing a right-back, midfielder and striker in January, and “both Clyne and Klopp are believed to be open to a January exit.”
However, it is added that Cardiff’s priority is a goalscorer, and due to restrictions on loan from Premier League clubs “they may wait and see how their search for a striker fares” first.
Clyne’s wages are also touted as a possible stumbling block, but “it is hoped a structured deal could be agreed,” as with Marko Grujic last season.
Joining Cardiff may be a wise move for Clyne this winter, as his prospects at Liverpool seem increasingly slim with both Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez ahead of him.
Klopp could also look to the academy to further bolster his right-back ranks with Wales youth international Neco Williams, as he is expected to with Adam Lewis on the opposite flank, while Fabinho is an emergency option.
Having seen his opportunities fade with England, it is clear Clyne needs a restart—though he may wait for other options to emerge before opting for Cardiff.
He is likely to be one of few players to leave Merseyside in January, with Simon Mignolet set to stay until the summer.
Divock Origi and Lazar Markovic could also move on, however, while there is speculation over the future of Dominic Solanke—which likely rests on Rhian Brewster‘s recovery from injury.
Fan Comments