A departed Liverpool player has been linked with a return to Anfield just months after leaving
Arne Slot
Arne Slot has plenty to ponder ahead of Liverpool's return to Premier League action
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Liverpool will be eager to reignite their season when the Premier League resumes this weekend. The reigning champions entered the final international break of 2025 on a low note following a 3-0 loss at Manchester City.
It was Liverpool's fifth defeat in 11 matches - more than they lost throughout the entirety of last season - and left Arne Slot's team languishing in eighth place, eight points adrift of leaders Arsenal. With the Gunners set to face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, the Reds will be looking to close the gap when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Anfield on Saturday.
Forest have been buoyed by the appointment of ex-Everton manager Sean Dyche and could escape the relegation zone with a win at Anfield. The ECHO brings you a round-up of Liverpool news....
Potential transfer agreed
Jarell Quansah has been flourishing since his £35million switch to Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, but he might find himself back at Anfield in the future.
The adaptable defender departed the Reds in pursuit of regular first-team football, which he has found in Germany. He also earned his first senior England cap, featuring as a right-back in the Three Lions' final World Cup qualifier in Albania.
Given Liverpool's struggles this season, he may have secured the football he desired at Anfield. However, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that he could return one day, as the Reds included a buyback clause as part of his sale to Leverkusen.
The clause is believed to be worth between £50-£60million and could reportedly be activated as early as 2027. It's also understood that the 22-year-old has signed a pre-agreed contract, should he make a return to the Reds one day.
Jarell Quansah speaking at an England press conference
Liverpool have an option to re-sign Jarell Quansah
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Former Reds star recalls heartbreak
Ex-Reds defender Dominic Matteo has recalled his heartbreak at being sold by the club just days after signing a new contract.
Matteo had just inked a five-year deal when the Reds, under the management of Gerard Houllier at the time, reluctantly accepted an offer from Leeds United. Speaking to the ECHO, Matteo said: "I didn't think I was going anywhere, but I didn't think I was going to get the game time again.
Dominic Matteo of Liverpool celebrates after scoring during the FA Cup 3rd Round match against Huddersfield played at the McAlpine Stadium in Huddersfield, England. Liverpool won the game 2-0.
Dominic Matteo was devastated to leave Liverpool
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"The reason why I left was because of that. There was no other reason. I wanted to stay, but I wasn't going to get the game time. I thought I couldn't have another three or four years of not playing. It just wasn't what I wanted.
"So Gerard had to make a call. You have to make calls, and I think he definitely wanted to keep me. No two ways about that."
"Obviously, I was gutted that I had to leave. Even though we talked about the five years and my contract, I was gutted. I was gutted, I was heartbroken for a long time, but I had to make the right call to play games."