When Calvin Ramsay arrived at Liverpool in 2022, there was real excitement. The young right-back from Aberdeen was seen as the next long-term option to back up — and maybe one day succeed — Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Jurgen Klopp called him “an outstanding talent” and praised his confidence and maturity on the ball.
At just 18, Ramsay had already played close to 40 senior games for Aberdeen, picked up nine assists, and even earned a Scotland cap. It looked like Liverpool had found a gem. But three years on, Ramsay’s journey hasn’t gone as planned.
He’s still at Liverpool — but not in the first team. Instead, he’s playing for the Under-21s, occasionally wearing the captain’s armband despite being 22. For a player once seen as the Reds’ future, it’s a tough spot to be in.
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The mystery behind Calvin Ramsay
So, what really went wrong for Ramsay?
Injuries were the first blow. A knee surgery, hamstring troubles, and even a flagged issue during his medical meant he barely got started. Each time he seemed close to returning, another setback arrived. The rhythm every young player needs simply never came.
Loan spells were supposed to help him rebuild — Preston, Bolton, Wigan, and Kilmarnock — but together they added up to just 26 appearances. Those moves didn’t give him the consistency or exposure Liverpool had hoped for.
Then came the red tape. Ramsay’s final loan in Scotland meant he missed out on qualifying as a homegrown player under Premier League rules. Because he wasn’t registered for three years with a club under the English or Welsh FA before turning 21, he lost that status.
That’s a big deal for Liverpool. They already have the maximum number of non-homegrown players in their squad, and Ramsay doesn’t fit into either category cleanly. In short, even paperwork has played a part in keeping him sidelined.
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The right-back race is fierce
Meanwhile, competition has only grown tougher. Conor Bradley has taken his chance with both hands, showing maturity and energy on the right flank. Jeremie Frimpong, the new Liverpool arrival, adds another challenge.
Calvin Ramsay, by contrast, is now behind on match sharpness, squad priority, and registration eligibility. Arne Slot’s squad rebuild is moving fast — and Ramsay appears to be caught in the shuffle.
Still, at 22, he’s not out of time. If he can regain fitness and rhythm, he could yet restart his career — perhaps away from Anfield. Football, after all, has seen bigger comebacks than this.