Liverpool has confirmed one of its academy stars has headed out on loan after signing a new contract, with more young players set to follow before the end of the transfer window
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JULY 25: Calum Scanlon #48 of Liverpool reacts to a missed scoring opportunity during the second half of the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at GEODIS Park on July 25, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Calum Scanlon has signed a new contract at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool has confirmed young defender Calum Scanlon has rejoined Cardiff City on loan, having signed a new contract at Anfield.
The 21-year-old makes the move back to Wales, having played eight times during the second half of last season for the Bluebirds. During his short time at the club, he helped it to win promotion back to the Championship, with Cardiff finishing the 2025/26 season in second in League One.
Before heading back to South Wales, Scanlon has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, having played for the Reds during the recent pre-season tour of the US.
Scanlon could be in line to make his second debut for Cardiff when Brian Barry-Murphy’s side takes on Wrexham in its opening league game of the season on Monday.
Speaking to Cardiff’s official website after rejoining the club, 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.”
Calum Scanlon #46 of Liverpool dribbles the balll during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC
Calum Scanlon played for Liverpool during the recent tour of the US(Image: (Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images))
Scanlon is just one of a number of players expected to head out on loan before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Midfielder James McConnell looks to be nearing a temporary move to Preston, while Liverpool is bracing itself for interest in winger Lewis Koumas, whether that is for a loan or a permanent move.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who has caught the eye of many supporters during pre-season, is expected to head out on loan soon, with some reports suggesting a switch could come as early as next week.
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The 18-year-old is ineligible to play for the Reds once the new season gets underway, having not met the necessary points to get a work permit in the United Kingdom. Clubs from Denmark, Portugal, Spain, Belgium and France have all expressed interest in taking him on loan, with Ndukwe’s agent confirming he is working with Liverpool to find the ideal landing spot.
“We are looking at several different parameters,” Georg Lederer told Danish outlet Tipsbladet.
“First and foremost, it is about Ifeanyi getting a lot of playing time, and then Liverpool are also looking at what type of football clubs play, as they want him in a high-pressing defense, so it is a bit like what you see in Liverpool.
“Since Ifeanyi has just arrived at Liverpool, it is of course a loan agreement without an option to buy, but for now I can't see much more.”