Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis last season left them with little choice but to turn to the transfer market for reinforcements in January.
By the last few days of the window, Jurgen Klopp found himself with all three senior centre backs injured and Fabinho was also carrying a knock.
Unable to rely on the inexperienced Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams for the remainder of the campaign, Schalke’s Ozan Kabak was brought in on loan along with a permanent deal for Preston North End’s Ben Davies.
The former made thirteen appearances in all competitions for Liverpool, whilst Davies is yet to feature in a competitive fixture.
READ MORE: Klopp experiment might have given away next Liverpool transfer
Now, with Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all fit, combined with the signing of Ibrahima Konate, there will be little opportunity for Davies.
The club are willing to listen to loan offers for Davies - and Sheffield United are at the front of the queue for the defender.
There is a belief he could make career progress with a temporary move, and return to Anfield as a more valuable commodity.
Plenty of Liverpool fans have weighed in on the transfer and the potential next steps for the 25-year-old.
“Ben Davies to Liverpool has to be one of the most bizarre transfers,” one supporter tweeted.
@inthesmoke posted: “Has there been a more bizarre signing at the club?
"Bought in a time of crisis for his position and never even made a competitive appearance.”
@PeterSimmoYNWA said: “Feel sorry for the lad, to be honest.
"On the verge of a move to Celtic before we stepped in and then he doesn’t get a chance at a time when only two young lads stood in his way. Strange one.”
@PW8383 tweeted: “Understandable. He seems to have been brought in as emergency cover.”
@Mximyesess added: “Gutted for Ben Davies. Didn’t even get an opportunity to prove himself.
"That’s the least a player deserves after being signed. This will surely leave a sour taste in his mouth when it comes to LFC.”
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