Calvin Ramsay journey from Scottish prodigy to Liverpool hopeful has been anything but straightforward. Once heralded as one of the brightest young defenders in Britain, the 21-year-old right-back now faces a pivotal summer as Premier League rules and a string of injuries force Liverpool’s hand over his future.
Early Promise at Aberdeen
Ramsay’s footballing roots are firmly planted in Aberdeen, where he rose through the youth system and made 39 senior appearances before his big move south. His performances in the Scottish Premiership caught the eye of scouts across the UK, and in June 2022, Liverpool signed him for a fee rising to £6.5 million—a record sale for Aberdeen at the time. The move was seen as a statement of intent from Liverpool, who were seeking a dynamic, attack-minded right-back to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
A Frustrating Start at Anfield
Ramsay’s Liverpool career began with high hopes, but his progress was quickly derailed. During his initial medical, a stress fracture in his back was discovered, ruling him out for months before he could even make his debut. He described this period as “very frustrating,” having just arrived at a club of Liverpool’s stature and eager to impress. After a long rehabilitation, he finally made his first-team debut as a substitute in a Champions League win over Napoli in November 2022. He followed that up with a start in the EFL Cup but managed only two senior appearances before surgery ended his season.
Loan Spells and Persistent Injuries
To gain experience and rebuild fitness, Ramsay was sent on a series of loan spells. His time at Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers during the 2023–24 season was blighted by injuries, limiting him to just a handful of appearances. A move to Wigan Athletic for the start of the 2024–25 campaign was intended as a fresh start, but he again struggled for game time and was recalled by Liverpool in January 2025. Within weeks, he was sent out on loan once more—this time to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
At Kilmarnock, Ramsay managed only sporadic minutes, unable to cement a starting role in a side that finished ninth in the league. Across his various loan stints, he has played just 26 times in two years, a stark contrast to the regular football he enjoyed as a teenager in Aberdeen.
The Premier League’s Homegrown Dilemma
Ramsay’s future at Liverpool is now complicated by Premier League squad registration rules. For the 2025/26 season, he is no longer eligible as an under-21 player and does not qualify as homegrown, having spent last season on loan in Scotland rather than with an English or Welsh club. This technicality means he would have to be registered as a non-homegrown player, but Liverpool’s quota for such players is already full. With new signings expected and competition fierce, the club must now “sell to buy,” and Ramsay is among those made available for transfer.
On-Field Performance and Playing Style
When fit, Ramsay has shown why he was so highly rated as a teenager. He is an energetic right-back who likes to get forward, deliver crosses, and contribute defensively. His stats at Aberdeen included regular assists and a reputation for composure in possession. However, his recent numbers have been modest: in the 2024/25 season, he made 14 appearances across all competitions, with the majority coming from the bench. His defensive stats at Kilmarnock included 0.96 tackles and 2.87 interceptions per 90 minutes, with a respectable 4.79 clearances per game. He also managed to keep two clean sheets in five Scottish Premiership matches.
Despite limited minutes, Ramsay’s technical skills remain evident. He is comfortable on the ball, quick across the ground, and tactically aware—traits that once prompted comparisons to fellow Scots full-back Nathan Patterson. His EA SPORTS FC 25 overall rating stands at 65, reflecting his potential but also the impact of his interrupted development.
Managerial and Expert Insight
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes praised Ramsay’s attitude and work ethic, noting Liverpool’s support in facilitating the loan. Yet, both McInnes and Liverpool’s staff acknowledge that Ramsay needs a sustained run of games to rebuild confidence and match sharpness. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that Ramsay is “not in a good place” due to his lack of opportunities and recurring setbacks.
Ramsay himself remains determined to prove his doubters wrong. In interviews, he has spoken about his hunger to get back to his best and show the talent that brought him to Anfield. “I’m ready to go,” he told Latics TV, emphasising his desire to silence critics and reignite his career.
What Next for Calvin Ramsay?
As the summer transfer window opens, Ramsay’s future is uncertain. With Liverpool needing to trim their non-homegrown list, a permanent move—potentially back to Scotland—looks likely. However, his lack of recent form and fitness could make finding a buyer challenging. Championship and League One clubs in England may be reluctant to use a valuable non-homegrown slot on a player with so many recent injuries.
For Ramsay, the next step is critical. At just 21, he still has time to fulfil his early promise, but he must find a club willing to invest in his development and give him regular football. If he can stay fit and recapture his Aberdeen form, he could yet become the dynamic right-back many predicted.
Conclusion
Calvin Ramsay’s story is a reminder of the fine margins in elite football. Talent and potential are only part of the equation; luck, timing, and resilience matter just as much. As Liverpool and Ramsay both approach decisive crossroads, the coming months will determine whether this once-bright prospect can reignite his career and make his mark in British football once again
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