Every season, Liverpool sends a handful of promising academy graduates out on loan, hoping they return ready to challenge for a first-team spot. The 2025/26 campaign was no exception. Some thrived, some struggled with injuries, and a few might have played themselves into Arne Slot's plans for next season. Let's break down how each loanee performed, what it means for their future, and whether the club should integrate them or move them on.
1. Tyler Morton – Hull City (Championship)
The Verdict: Ready for a squad role or a permanent sale?
Morton spent the full season at Hull, playing as a deep-lying playmaker. He featured regularly in league matches, contributing in attack and defense. His passing accuracy was solid, and he averaged a respectable number of key passes and defensive actions per game.
Takeaway: Morton is technically sound but lacks athleticism. Slot's system demands high pressing and quick transitions—areas where Morton still lags. He's likely surplus to requirements unless Liverpool sells a senior midfielder.
Next step: Either integrate as a rotational option or sell to fund other targets.
2. Ben Doak – Middlesbrough (Championship)
The Verdict: Electric but raw—needs another loan
Doak joined Middlesbrough in January after recovering from a long-term injury. He made a number of appearances, mostly off the bench, scoring and assisting. His dribbling success rate was among the best in the Championship for wingers under 21.
Takeaway: Doak's pace and directness are undeniable, but his end product remains inconsistent. He's not ready for Liverpool's first team yet—another loan to a top Championship side or a lower Premier League club would be ideal.
Next step: Loan again, preferably to a team that plays with width and allows him to start regularly.
3. James McConnell – Sunderland (Championship)
The Verdict: Promising but needs more minutes
McConnell spent the season at Sunderland, where he played a number of matches as a central midfielder. He contributed goals and assists, with a solid passing accuracy. His defensive work rate was consistent.
Takeaway: McConnell is tidy on the ball and reads the game well, but he lacks the physicality to dominate midfield in the Championship. He's a candidate for another loan, possibly to a League One side where he can play more regularly.
Next step: Loan to a lower division to build strength and confidence.
4. Kaide Gordon – Preston North End (Championship)
The Verdict: Injury-hit season—needs to stay fit
Gordon's loan at Preston was disrupted by an injury that kept him out for a significant period. He managed limited appearances, scoring and assisting. His dribbling and creativity were evident, but the lack of continuity hurt his development.
Takeaway: Talent is there, but injuries are stalling his progress. Liverpool should consider a loan to a League One club where the physical demands are slightly lower, allowing him to play regularly and rebuild rhythm.
Next step: Loan to League One—or consider a permanent move if he can't stay fit.
5. Harvey Blair – Swansea City (Championship)
The Verdict: Surprise package—could be a squad option
Blair, a versatile forward, joined Swansea in the summer and played regularly, scoring goals and adding assists. He played primarily as a right winger but also featured as a striker and left winger. His expected goals per 90 was above the Championship average for wingers.
Takeaway: Blair exceeded expectations. His versatility and goal threat make him an intriguing option for Slot's squad, especially if Liverpool sells a wide player like Luis Diaz or Cody Gakpo.
Next step: Consider for a first-team role next season, or loan to a Premier League club for further testing.
6. Luke Chambers – Wigan Athletic (League One)
The Verdict: Dominated at lower level—needs a step up
Chambers, a left-back, spent the season at Wigan, where he was one of the best defenders in League One. He started regularly, contributed goals and assists, and averaged strong defensive numbers. His crossing accuracy was among the best for full-backs in the division.
Takeaway: Chambers is too good for League One. He needs a Championship or Premier League loan next season to test his ceiling. With Liverpool's left-back situation uncertain, Chambers could emerge as a backup option.
Next step: Loan to a Championship side—or integrate as a rotational option.
7. Layton Stewart – Derby County (League One)
The Verdict: Struggled for game time—likely to move on
Stewart joined Derby in League One but made limited appearances, scoring once. He struggled to break into a promotion-chasing side and was often an unused substitute. His loan was cut short in January, and he spent the second half of the season with Liverpool's U21s.
Takeaway: Stewart's development stalled. At 23, he's running out of time to make an impact at Liverpool. A permanent move to a League One or League Two club seems the most likely outcome.
Next step: Sell permanently in the summer.
Summary Table: Loan Watch 2025/26
| Player | Club | Division | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Morton | Hull City | Championship | Regular | 1 | 4 | Squad role or sell |
| Ben Doak | Middlesbrough | Championship | Multiple | 3 | 2 | Loan again |
| James McConnell | Sunderland | Championship | Multiple | 2 | 3 | Another loan needed |
| Kaide Gordon | Preston North End | Championship | Limited | 1 | 1 | Injury risk—loan down |
| Harvey Blair | Swansea City | Championship | Regular | 7 | 4 | Consider for first team |
| Luke Chambers | Wigan Athletic | League One | Regular | 3 | 6 | Step up needed |
| Layton Stewart | Derby County | League One | Limited | 1 | 0 | Likely to move on |
What This Means for Liverpool
Liverpool's loan system is designed to produce first-team-ready players or generate transfer fees. In 2025/26, the results were mixed:
- Harvey Blair is the standout—he might save the club money on a wide attacking signing.
- Luke Chambers could solve the left-back depth issue if he continues developing.
- Tyler Morton and Ben Doak have value but need decisions: integrate or sell.
- Kaide Gordon and James McConnell need more time and careful loan placements.
- Layton Stewart is likely heading out permanently.
Your Checklist: What to Watch Next Season
- Pre-season friendlies – See which loanees get minutes in the first team.
- Transfer window – If Liverpool signs a wide player, Blair's path closes; if not, he's a serious option.
- Injury reports – Gordon's fitness will determine his future.
- Loan destinations – Doak and McConnell need the right club to continue developing.
- Permanent sales – Morton and Stewart could generate funds for other targets.
Reader Comments (0)