Liverpool announce their first loan move as the 20-year-old joins Wigan Athletic

Liverpool and Scotland Under-21 defender Calvin Ramsay signed for the League One outfit Wigan Athletic on loan for the 2024-25 campaign.

The former Aberdeen starlet has suffered a torrid injury spell since joining the Reds in the summer of 2022, making just two appearances during Jurgen Klopphis tenure as head coach.

Ramsay also managed just six combined appearances in two loan spells with Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End, playing twice for the latter in the first half of the 2023–24 season.

The 20-year-old later dropped down a division to represent Bolton but made just four appearances for the Trotters and did not earn a single minute between March and May.

Rather than integrate Ramsay into the first team for Arne SlottIn Liverpool’s debut season, Liverpool struck a deal to let the Scot leave on loan for a third time, and he will bid to shake off his past fitness problems with Wigan.

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Ramsay ‘over the moon’ to join Latics

“I’m over the moon. It happened quickly and I met the manager (Shaun Maloney) two weeks ago. We had a really good conversation and there was an instant connection. I’m excited about the start of the season,” Ramsay told the Wigan official website.

“When I was driving to the training ground it was a real thrill and I’m hungry to get going and show everyone what I can do. It’s a good opportunity at a good club and I’m keen to go.”

Manager Shaun Maloney praised Ramsay’s “excellent profile” and also his versatility, suggesting the defender could be used at both right-back and left-back next season.

“I am delighted that Calvin has joined us on a season-long loan. He is a highly rated player who has already represented his country and gained experience in both the Scottish Premiership and the EFL,” Maloney added.

“Calvin is an excellent profile who will bring aggression and attacking talent from both the right and left side of the defense. Calvin is extremely motivated to help our team achieve success this season and will join us on the first day of pre- season. I look forward to working with Calvin and helping him adapt as quickly as possible.”

The Ramsay move makes sense for all parties

A look at our new cooking no.2. 🔥 #wafc 🔵⚪️ | @CalvinRamsay pic.twitter.com/hEskSOAQQZ

– Wigan Athletic (@LaticsOfficial) June 5, 2024

Ramsay’s high potential has been evident ever since he won the SFWA Young Player of the Year award for the 2021-22 season, and but for his unfortunate fitness issues, a breakthrough at Liverpool could well have materialized by now.

However, during Ramsay’s long periods of rehabilitation, Conor Bradley burst onto the scene to become an exceptional backup for Trent Alexander-Arnoldwhile Joe Gomez and Stefan Bajcetic he can also be a deputy on the right.

There is currently no room for Ramsay in the ranks, but Gomez’s status at Liverpool is up in the air, while there could also be a future for Alexander-Arnold in midfield – as evidenced by his exploits in an England shirt.

Maloney’s comments were also appealing, as Ramsay at left-back could be an intriguing option for Liverpool, who currently have an aging side. Andrew Robertson and underperforming Kostas Tsimikas as their senior options on that side as well as Gomez.

As a result, if Ramsay can get through a full season with Wigan physically unscathed – and that’s a very big if – Slot may have found a solution to an impending left-back dilemma.

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