EPL
what’s next for this Liverpool youngster after his contract termination
It’s all but confirmed that Scottish side Rangers have terminated Ovie Ejaria’s contract after numerous uninspiring displays from the youngster.
The England U21 international made a season long-loan move to the Scottish side —who are managed by former Liverpool captain Stephen Gerrard — during the summer transfer market.
After a breathtaking pre-season tour with the Reds, many including myself thought the 21-year-old would take the Scottish League by storm but that wasn’t the case.
Things didn’t work out as expected for the young player. His first month with the club was productive as he put up many man-of-the-match performances, much to fans delight.
However, things began to turn out worst for the youngster. His form begins to depreciate while his off-field character wasn’t helpful.
According to Rangers manager Stephen Gerrard, Ejaria is a very conservative young player who didn’t love to share any of his problems with teammates nor coaching crew.
The former England captain couldn’t bear the player’s unimpressive display, hence, he terminated his contract with the team in an abrupt manner.
Back to Anfield, what next for the 21-year-old midfielder?
Ejaria is back to Anfield stadium, waiting for the next decision to be made by the club’s hierarchy.
Considering the competition in Jurgen Klopp’s team, Ejaria is nowhere close to breaking into the German’s midfield setup.
Shaqiri, Keita, Milner, Wijnaldum, Fabinho and Adam Lallana are all in intense competition for a place in the starting lineup.
A certain Oxlade-Chamberlain is on his way to full recovery and that will add to the list of regular first-team players competing for constant action under the former Borussia Dortmund boss.
Though Ejaria could be deployed at the wings due to his versatility, I’m afraid there is absolutely no chance for him at the final third of the pitch.
Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mo Salah are untouchable except if there is an injury case or an urgent need to rest any of the three front men.
Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Solanke are very much in the team, although they are fringe players who are aiming to seize any opportunity that comes to their respective ways.
The best and only option for the young man is joining another ‘small’ club in the upcoming transfer market in January.
As at the time of this report, no club has shown interest in his services but that’s definitely going to change as soon as the winter window opens.
According to Gerrard while revealing the reason behind Ejaria’s contract termination, the 21-year-old was suffering from homesickness and that grievously affected his game.
To avoid the same problem in the nearest future, he should move to either Premier League side or a Championship club so as to be closer to his family
