Lazar Markovic Set for Shock Return to Portugal

Earlier in the summer, a return to Portugal seemed on the cards for Lazar Markovic, with reports that Sporting CP were seeking to take the player on loan for the season and that Liverpool weren’t averse to a temporary move for the youngster.

However, at the time, the player’s determination to salvage his career in England saw him turn down the chance. For a time, it looked like he might get his wish, too, with Newcastle United rumoured to be willing to pay £16M for him.

That deal fell through earlier in the week, though, leaving Markovic facing the prospect of spending the season in the reserves at Liverpool. And that in turn has led to a deadline day turnaround on a potential Portugal move for the coming season.

With only hours to go in the transfer window, Markovic has signalled that he is willing to be reunited with manager Jorge Jesus—who coached him while he was at Benfica but who now heads Sporting Club—and, out of nowhere, the deal is back on.

Liverpool had set a £16M valuation on the player and were looking for a permanent buyer, but at just 22 years of age and with three years left on his contract, the club are not against loaning him out for another season in the hopes he comes good.

The clock is ticking, but time permitting, it now appears he will remain a Liverpool player but will spend the season back in Portugal, where hopefully a reunion with his old manager will help to get his career back on track.