CONFIRMED: Tiago Ilori Joins Bordeaux On loan

There was little doubt that Portuguese defender Tiago Ilori would be loaned out this season, the only question was where he would end up. Although a spell with a club in England would have probably been the best thing for him, the club has confirmed he’ll spend the next season in France with Ligue One outfit Bordeaux.

The 21-year old, who moved to Anfield on deadline day last year from Sporting CP, impressed on a loan spell at La Liga side Granada during the second half of last season, but he isn’t quite ready for the bright lights of the Premier League yet despite showing immense promise. Nurturing that talent will now be up to Les Girondins boss Willy Sagnol — at lease for the foreseeable future.

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has a wealth of central defenders at his disposal, and though at least one is expected to leave before the window closes, Ilori never looked like he was in the Northern Irishman’s plans for the season despite being brought along on the pre-season tour of North America. The £20mil capture of Southampton defender Dejan Lovren has only increased competition for the limited spots in the center of the park so a spell away would certainly be best for him.

The 21-year old joins a number of Reds youngsters who’ve been sent out to gain valuable first team experience. Andre Wisdom, Joao Carlos Teixeira, Brad Smith, Divock Origi and Iago Aspas are all spending the season elsewhere and more are expected to follow before the transfer window closes.