Liverpool had a quiet January transfer window, but they did choose to loan out defender Nathaniel Clyne to Bournemouth. Clyne’s had a rough few years, with injuries and the rise of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving the Englishman without a clear role in the first team under Jurgen Klopp.

At the time, then, loaning him out made sense. He needed minutes, and he was always going to get them at Bournemouth.

However, on the show The Debate, Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood – in light of an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold – has lamented the decision from the Reds, describing it as a “massive error of judgement”.

As discussed on The Debate, as per Sky Sports, he said: “To let Clyne go to Bournemouth is amazing for me. Why would you get rid of someone [you may need]. Trent Alexander-Arnold is injured as well so in the right-back area you really are struggling”.

He added: “You’ve got Milner who is going to play in there and do his best, is an outstanding professional and is capable – but to let Nathaniel Clyne go to Bournemouth is incredible to me. I think it is a massive error of judgement by Liverpool.”

Sherwood clearly isn’t impressed by the decision, and with good reason. Sure, Clyne was lacking minutes at Liverpool, and he likely wasn’t happy to not be playing very often – but his departure has come at a significant cost for the Reds.

He’s a fantastic player, after all, and to lose his ability – especially in a year in which the Reds are hoping to challenge for the title – makes little sense.

Sure, they might be better for it by the time next season rolls around, especially if Clyne continues to play regularly, but for Liverpool, their primary concern must be the present.

Of course, the decision wouldn’t seem so bad if the Reds had brought in a replacement, but they didn’t, and now it could cost them. They’ll just have to hope that Trent Alexander-Arnold remains fit for the rest of the season, which won’t be easy given how many games are on the horizon.

Thoughts?