Loan report: Time running out on Ejaria’s Liverpool first team dream

It looks like Liverpool youngster Ovie Ejaria could have played his final game for the Reds following another uninspiring loan spell where he failed to set the heather alight in the English Championship when plying his trade with Reading.

22-year-old Londoner Ejaria, a product of the Anfield club’s youth academy, is currently out on the third loan spell of his career. Having stuttered at Sunderland and thrown in the towel at Rangers, things have not been too much more productive at the Madejski Stadium this term.

Player has accepted his fate

The midfielder, who has been capped at U20 and U21 level by England, has made 32 league appearances in what has been a below-par campaign for Reading who are just nine points above the relegation zone heading into the final chapter of the season. Finding the net just three times during that period, reports suggest the player has already accepted his fate and is on the lookout for a new full-time club.

Breaking into one of the best Liverpool midfields in years was always going to be a big ask and with Jurgen Klopp eager to slim down his squad size, the writing looks to be on the wall for Ejaria as well as other prospects who haven’t progressed as quickly as the coaching team would have hoped.

What is next for Ejaria? The 6ft centre mid surely will not be short of offers during the summer. He is remembered best in Glasgow for a stunning strike for Steven Gerrard’s Rangers against Russian club FC Ufa in the Europa League, playing an instrumental part in ensuring his club’s progression to the next round. At Reading he has shown glimpses of the quality Liverpool scouts saw in him, credited with four assists alongside his goals.

Bowen promised first refusal

The Royals may see him as a potential summer transfer if the price is right. Mark Bowen’s crew are said to have a contract clause that would give them first refusal on the player when the transfer window opens later this year. With Liverpool, seemingly, desperate to get rid, they are not going to stand in the way of a permanent deal or push for a sizeable transfer fee.

Reading narrowly avoided relegation last season and are stuck at the wrong end of the table again this season. The Championship betting odds available before the break suggested Reading will retain their place in the second flight of English football with Barnsley, Luton Town and Charlton Athletic more likely to take the plunge.

At the opposite end of the table, bookmakers have Leeds United as betting favourites to be playing Premier League football next season. The Elland Road club sit top of the pile with 71 points on the board, one more than West Bromwich Albion in second and seven clear of Fulham in third.

Ejaria has arrived at a crossroads in his career so the next move will be pivotal in deciding which turn his career takes. He is still young so all isn't lost and he could very easily find himself in the Premier League in the next few seasons, albeit with a different club.