Liverpool can exploit UEFA loophole to select extra player in Europa League squad

Liverpool can exploit a UEFA loophole to select an extra player for their Europa League campaign. Here’s how.

After a disappointing 2022/23 season in which Liverpool failed to claim a trophy or top-four spot, the Merseyside club are readying for a first Europa League campaign in eight years.

And the differences between UEFA and Premier League rules mean Jurgen Klopp has been forced into a difficult decision over the composition of his squad.

Despite neither possessing homegrown status, both Ryan Gravenberch and Ben Doak are able to be registered as under-21 players for the Premier League season on account of their age.

However, that is not the case in Europe. Both players were are only eligible to feature alongside their fellow foreign stars on the club’s List A.

In turn, Klopp has 18 players for the upcoming European campaign, but only 17 spots in which to register them.

In turn, third-choice shot-stopper Adrian has reportedly been forced to miss out as a result, with the Spaniard behind Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher in the pecking order.

However, as per the This Is Anfield, the 36-year-old’s omission is thought to be down to the presence of a UEFA loophole, that could allow the player to feature in some capacity.

UEFA rules state that should any named goalkeeper be struck down by a long-term injury or illness, a replacement can be called upon.

In turn, should the Reds lose either Alisson or Kelleher, they would be able to utilise Adrian in Europe.

Of course, Liverpool may not even be required to use the loophole should Mohamed Salah complete a move to Al Ittihad before the conclusion of the Saudi Pro League winner.

Indeed, Sky Sports claimed that Al Ittihad want to make another offer for Salah before the Saudi Pro League window closes on Thursday.

Senior figures at the club allegedly believe it is worth making one more try to sign Salah, having had an offer worth £150million turned down last week.

Of course, Liverpool are unlikely to sanction a move.

Speaking after Sunday's 3-0 win over Aston Villa, Jurgen Klopp said: "I never had any doubts about his commitment to this club. You can't imagine how much fuss the world has made but how calm we are with it. He is our player and he wants to play here."

The Saudi Pro League window closes at 10pm BST time on Thursday.

Topics: Football, Transfers, Premier League, Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp, Mohamed Salah, Europa League

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.