NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool left-back Calum Scanlon will spend another season on loan after the club agreed a return to his former club for 2026/27.
The 21-year-old has rejoined Cardiff City for the upcoming campaign after spending the second half of last season with the Welsh club.
Scanlon signed a new long-term deal with Liverpool ahead of his latest temporary move, which will see him play in the Championship after Cardiff’s promotion.
It will be a familiar environment for the defender under head coach Brian Barry-Murphy, aiding his settling-in period with the Championship season getting underway this weekend.
The left-back, who can also play on the wing, featured eight times for Cardiff at the back end of last season following a previous loan at Millwall, though he has been plagued by injuries that have hindered his development.
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon lines-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon lines-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. Liverpool won 1-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Scanlon featured throughout pre-season for Andoni Iraola, playing 91 minutes in the US before being left out against Monaco on the team’s return to Anfield.
His contract was due to expire at the end of this campaign, meaning new terms were required to leave the door open to a possible future sale as opposed to an exit as a free transfer.
Liverpool will be watching his progress closely as they consider his future senior prospects after seeing the 21-year-old play only 12 first-team games since the start of the 2024/25 season.
He made two senior appearances for Liverpool in late 2023, both as a substitute in the Europa League.
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon receives final instructions from head coach Andoni Iraola (R) during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon receives final instructions from head coach Andoni Iraola (R) during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking to Cardiff’s official website after finalising his transfer, Scanlon said: “It’s brilliant to be back. It’s great to see all the lads again, speak with the manager and be back in the city. It’s an amazing feeling.
“I’m ready to go. It’s been a positive pre-season getting minutes. It was good for me. My body is ready for the season.
“I’m grateful for the experience I’ve already had here and I can’t wait to make new memories at the Club.”
James McConnell is also due to leave on loan this season, with a move to Preston expected, with Kieran Morrison and Ifeanyi Ndukwe also among those due to make a temporary move.
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Bayer Leverkusen's Jarell Quansah during the UEFA Champions League match between Manchester City FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen FC at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 12
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)