Liverpool midfielder Allan Rodrigues is yet to establish himself on loan at Hertha Berlin, which could impact his future on Merseyside.
Allan joined the Bundesliga side on a season-long loan in August, but with Hertha making a surprise bid for the title in 2016/17, his game time has been limited.
The 19-year-old has made seven appearances for the club in all competitions, starting just two of his six outings in the German top flight.
He has performed reasonably well, but it is the amount of minutes he plays that will be crucial in deciding his future beyond this season, as he is yet to secure an English work permit.
This is unlikely to see Allan meet the points-based criteria used by the FA for players who aren’t yet regulars for their international side.
But despite this, Allan believes his future remains with Liverpool—even if he is unavailable for selection again in 2017/18.
“My goal remains to play for Liverpool. We’ll see what happens if I don’t get the number of games need to qualify for a work permit,” he explained this week.
“Without the Europa League, it’s even more difficult. But I feel good here at Hertha.
“Who knows whether I will continue here after the summer. If that happens, it would also be good.”
Hertha enjoy a positive relationship with Jurgen Klopp, so much so that they are looking to organise two friendlies in the summer to mark theirs and Liverpool’s 125-year anniversaries.
This does open up the prospect of Allan remaining in Berlin on loan next season, with Hertha sporting director Michael Preetz receptive to the idea.
“If there’s a scenario that because of the regulations Allan can’t return to Liverpool in the summer of 2017, we will be there,” Preetz explained.
“Our coaching staff enjoy working with him, and he’s got giant potential.”
However, given Allan’s lack of regular first-team football at the Olympiastadion, it remains to be seen whether Klopp would sanction another loan for the Brazilian.
With Hertha fourth in the Bundesliga, just four points off leaders Bayern Munich with 10 games played, it is understandable why manager Pal Dardai is opting for more experienced options.
But this is not a productive situation for Liverpool, as Allan would no doubt have been earmarked for a first-team role next season.
There was further interest from Spain, France and the Netherlands in the summer, and it could be that Allan ends up at another club for the 2017/18 campaign.
Fan Comments