Three ideal destinations for Nathaniel Clyne should he make the move in January
Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne was once one of the most consistent players in the team and one of the most reliable defenders around. The former Southampton right-back was often the first name on the team sheet and was assured to deliver on the pitch.
But an injury at the start of last season paved the way for Trent Alexander-Arnold to take the reins and the youngster has since gone on to make the role his own.
With Alexander-Arnold playing well right now and Gomez set to return to right-back when Dejan Lovren makes his way back into the squad, it’s clear that Clyne, who was bought by Liverpool for £12.5m, will fall further down the pecking order.
Aged just 27, Clyne is still capable of fitting into any Premier League side and has plenty of years left ahead of him.
The English defender should make the smart choice and consider leaving Liverpool when the window opens in January. Should he decide to do so, here we take a look at three clubs Clyne can consider in January.
Crystal Palace
Palace have shown a rise in form under Roy Hodgson but have only been able to pick one win from their opening 4 games of the season.
Though Aaron Wan-Bissaka has emerged as a quality player for the Eagles in the opening weeks of the season, the acquisition of Nathaniel Clyne would provide Hodgson with some depth and cover at the back.
Clyne is defensively solid and rarely gets a foot wrong at the back. Though his offensive qualities and crossing aren’t impressive, the former Southampton defender can surely tighten things at the back.
Stoke City
Stoke City have looked defensively fragile so far and have conceded 11 goals in their opening 6 games of the season. Clyne’s defensive diligence would certainly help the club gain some sort of stability at the back.
The Potters are currently just 1 point above the relegation zone and cannot afford another drop this season. The Liverpool right-back is smart on the ball and is not an easy defender to beat. Gary Rowett should certainly make a move for him in January.
Southampton
The Saints were fortunate not to drop to the Championship last season and haven’t started this season in good form either. A return to St. Mary’s would help Clyne reignite his lost spark. Clyne made 94 league appearances for Southampton before making his move to Liverpool and was a stalwart at the back for them.
Mark Hughes’ experience and tactical nous will help the full-back revive his career. The Saints have looked defensively shaky at times and with Cedric Soares often charging up the field, the right flank looks exposed at times.
Read more: Time for goodbye? – Liverpool must surely offload £65,000-a-week star this January
The arrival of Clyne will definitely hand them an organised back line. Hughes should snap up the player in January.