Liverpool’s first team returns for pre-season next week, but Calvin Ramsay spent day one of training with the under-21s in another nod to his future.
The 22-year-old joined Rob Page’s U21s side as the academy returned following the summer break on Monday, with plans for his future seemingly unchanged.
Despite Conor Bradley still being sidelined with a knee injury and the need for reinforcements at right-back, Ramsay has been given another indication of where he stands on day one.
On paper, a clean bill of health should have put Ramsay in contention for a role next season, but it speaks volumes that he’s been immediately integrated into the youth setup.
The Scot was used twice last season under Arne Slot and was an unused substitute a further 20 times, but he was never in the Dutchman’s thinking even during an injury crisis at right-back.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 22, 2025: Liverpool substitute Calvin Ramsay on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He’s with us, but I still think I have better options to play,” Slot told the media last season, sparking plenty of criticism at the time.
He could yet be drafted into Andoni Iraola‘s training sessions to make up the numbers, but he is still expected to leave in the transfer window.
Ramsay’s contract expires next summer, and while a loan would provide a chance at regular games, offers for a permanent move will be considered before he becomes a free agent.
Since his £4.5 million move from Aberdeen in 2022, Ramsay’s time on Merseyside has been derailed by injuries and loan moves that have not been conducive to finding rhythm and confidence.
He needs a new home to kickstart the career that looked promising at Aberdeen, and fitness tests with the U21s only underlines Liverpool’s intentions heading into the new season.
The same could also be said of Kaide Gordon, Calum Scanlon and Luke Chambers, who all reported to the academy on Monday and have all but aged out of academy football.