Lazar Markovic was deemed unworthy of a squad place in the eyes of the Liverpool Football Club management team for the current season but the club must be extremely cautious with how they handle the Serbian’s future at the club.
The Reds boast a wealth of attacking quality and depth with players like Daniel Sturridge and Roberto Firmino, not to mention the summer signing of Sadio Mané, whose arrival basically spelt the end for Markovic at Liverpool and soon after, he was shipped out on loan to Sporting Lisbon.
Many supporters hoped Markovic would return from his loan spell at Fenerbahce revitalised and ready to thrive in Jurgen Klopp’s counter pressing, “rock and roll football” side. The news of him leaving on loan on deadline day was disappointing yet, considering the start to the season Klopp’s men have had, understandable.
When Markovic signed for Liverpool, he was deemed one of the brightest young prospects in football. Some excellent performances for Benfica had put him on the radar of many clubs, yet it was Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool who acquired his signature, somewhat of a rare occurrence considering the amount of signatures that slipped through the Reds’ fingers during that era.
The issue now for Liverpool, should they decide Markovic is surplus to requirements and attempt to sell him from next summer when he returns, is that they could be sending out a huge signal to any highly rated young footballers: if you value your career and want to develop – avoid Liverpool Football Club.
Why would any young player want to follow in Lazar’s footsteps? The high chance of getting little game time followed by numerous loan moves without ever getting a serious run in the team in your favoured position is enough to stop Liverpool ever signing another top young player from abroad.
From the short time we have seen him on the pitch, we have seen he is a player low on confidence, who needs time to settle into a rhythm – something he won’t get out on loan.
Supporters may believe he is unworthy of a proper chance in the side due to the quality we possess in the attacking third, and they are entitled to their opinion, however, Liverpool must look long term.
Do they risk increasing the difficulty they have in completing signings of high potential players or do they sell Markovic next summer without a thought of the after effects? Have your say below.
It will definitely be interesting to see where LFC go from here.
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