Liverpool

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Premier League • England

Liverpool defender Ben Davies ‘told he can leave’, but contract issues may prevent permanent move

Ben Davies #22 of Sheffield United on loan from Liverpool

Liverpool defender Ben Davies has reportedly been told he can leave after failing to make a first-team appearance for the club.

Davies joined the Redsw from Preston North End in January 2021. Jurgen Klopp signed Davies alongside Ozan Kabak from Schalke as his side were hit with a number of defensive injuries.

However, the Lancashire centre-back failed to make an appearance under Klopp, as he spent the entirety of this season on loan with Sheffield United.

Now, Football Insider report that Davies has been told he is no longer required at Liverpool, and can leave this summer.

The returns of Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip as well as the signing of Ibrahima Konate have pushed Davies well down the pecking order at Liverpool.

The 26-year-old also failed to make much of an impression in the Championship. He made just 22 appearances in the league, and was benched for the final four games of the campaign.

The club have now decided to try cut their losses as they look to move Davies on to another side.

However, there are still some complications surrounding the potential sale of Davies.

His contract at Anfield does not expire until 2025. This means that the player may not want to give up his deal, but will want more game time away from Anfield.

As such, it is expected that Liverpool will have to loan Davies out given his status at the club.

Ben Davies more than his Liverpool legacy

It can be easy for potential suitors to judge Davies solely on his short-lived career at Liverpool.

The defender clearly failed to make an impression on Klopp. Even with a number of injury concerns when he first joined, the boss never gave him a chance to perform.

Davies also looked shy of confidence during his season-long spell with the Blades.

However, prior to his signing at Liverpool Davies was considered one of the top defenders in the Championship.

At the heart of the Preston defence, Davies was a consistent performer. He helped North End overachieve in the division for three consecutive seasons.

At 26, he is now reaching what could be the best years of his career.

It is evident that Davies has no footballing future in Liverpool. However, he may turn out to be a worthwhile risk at another club with less pressure.

And with Liverpool keen to get him off their books, a deal this summer could be easily arranged.

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