Javier Manquillo’s Liverpool career may be brought to a premature end as a result of Nathaniel Clyne’s arrival at Anfield from Southampton for £12.5m.
The 21-year-old Manquillo joined Brendan Rodgers’ team on an unusual two-year loan agreement from Atlético Madrid last summer but the right-back saw his first team opportunities dry up in the second half of the season, due in part to the manager’s switch to a 3-5-2 formation.
He made 19 appearances but only three in 2015, none of them in the Premier League and the last coming as a late substitute against Besiktas in February.
Manquillo’s future prospects diminished further this week with Liverpool’s capture of the England right-back Clyne. Despite the departure of Glen Johnson and Jon Flanagan’s injury problems, the club are considering releasing the Spanish youngster midway through his loan deal. Andre Wisdom, another rival for Manquillo’s position, recently signed a new four-year contract at Anfield.
Liverpool need to reach agreement with both Manquillo and Atlético to end the defender’s stay this summer and have not reached that stage yet. But the exit of the Under-21 Spain international is being explored as Liverpool, having made six signings so far this summer, look to trim the squad.
