Rhys Williams was viewed as a real coup for Aberdeen when they managed to get him on loan from Liverpool.
Once seen as a Reds star of the future when coming through the famous Melwood academy, the centre-back had also just played 17 games in the Championship while on loan at Blackpool.
So it was thought he could come into the Scottish Premiership and hit the ground running. That is far from how it turned out.
Williams didn’t end up playing a single league minute for the Dons and was sent back to Anfield half way through his loan contract.
It was a frustration for everyone involved but he just hadn’t been able to have the desired impact at Pittodrie – but it seems there were reasons for that.
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Liverpool youngster Williams explains Aberdeen loan flop
The 23-year-old is still a Liverpool player and is now on loan at League Two side Morecambe, managed by former Ross County boss Derek Adams, after a spell at Port Vale which had the same outcome as his time at Aberdeen.
But he has already played eight times for the Shrimps and has now been able to reflect on his time in the north-east and the injury and illness problems which plagued him.
Williams told The Athletic: “I just couldn’t get myself in the right condition to play and it was so frustrating.
“There were times when I was really struggling, living in Aberdeen on my own and not playing. My dad would drive up and see me to help give me a lift.
“I had trapped nerves in my back. My body was still growing and that was causing me some issues. It was one thing after another. I just didn’t feel good.
“They did my bloods when I went back to Liverpool and it came up with a virus, so that was part of the issue too.”
What does the future hold for Liverpool’s Williams?
Williams is still contracted to Liverpool for just under anotehr two years, his deal expiring in the summer of 2026.
As is stands, you’d have to think it is doubtful he will have a future there given how his loans have gone.
However, playing regularly in the Morecambe side will give him a chance to impress any watching scouts and perhaps play higher up the English pyramid in the future.