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Calum Scanlon
View on WikipediaCalum Alexander Scanlon (born 14 February 2005) is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Cardiff City, on loan from Premier League club Liverpool. He has represented England at international youth level.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Scanlon joined Liverpool from Birmingham City as a 15-year-old, in a reported £500,000 deal in December 2020.[3] He signed his first professional contract with the club in March 2022 shortly after his 18th birthday.[4] In July 2023, Scanlon was included in the Liverpool first-team pre-season training camp to Germany.[5] He was then included in Liverpool's 27-man squad to tour Singapore on 27 July 2023.[6]
In September 2023, Scanlon scored for Liverpool U21 against EFL League Two side Morecambe in the EFL Trophy.[7] Scanlon continued to train with the Liverpool first-team squad during the 2023–24 season following an injury to first-choice left-back Andrew Robertson,[8] and was named among the match day substitutes for the Premier League match against local rivals Everton on 21 October 2023.[9] He made his senior debut for Liverpool in a 5–1 UEFA Europa League victory over Toulouse at Anfield on 26 October 2023.[10] Scanlon signed a new long-term professional contract with Liverpool in April 2024.[11]
On 29 August 2024, Scanlon joined Championship side Millwall on loan until the end of the season.[12] On 21 January 2025, Scanlon scored his first professional goal in a 2–2 draw against Cardiff City.[13]
On 1 February 2026, Scanlon joined League One leaders Cardiff City on loan for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.[14]
International career
[edit]Scanlon has represented England at under-17, under-18 and under-19 level.[2] In September 2024 he started for England U20 in a victory against Romania at Edgeley Park.[15]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 25 January 2025
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Liverpool U21 | 2023–24[16] | — | — | — | — | 2[a] | 1 | 2 | 1 | |||||
| Liverpool | 2023–24[16] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[b] | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | |
| 2024–25[17] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| 2025–26[18] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||
| Liverpool total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Millwall (loan) | 2024–25[17] | Championship | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 1 | ||
| Career total | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 2 | ||
- ^ Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
- ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
References
[edit]- ^ "Latest updated Premier League squad lists for 2023/24". Premier League. 8 February 2024. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ a b "Calum Scanlon". Soccerway. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ Kay, Dan (23 December 2020). "Liverpool complete signing of 15-year-old Calum Scanlon from Birmingham City". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
- ^ Doyle, Ian (9 March 2022). "Liverpool defender signs first professional contract after £500k transfer". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
- ^ McDonald, Keifer. "Liverpool £500,000 signing gets Jurgen Klopp chance after following in Jude Bellingham's footsteps". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
- ^ Carroll, James (27 July 2023). "Liverpool name 27-man squad for pre-season trip to Singapore". Liverpoolfc.com. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
- ^ Bocsak, Ben (22 October 2023). "Liverpool talent could get chance after Andy Robertson injury and Jürgen Klopp just gave hint". Liverpool.com. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
- ^ Pearce, James (20 October 2023). "Liverpool's Andy Robertson ruled out for three months following shoulder surgery". The Athletic. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ "Liverpool vs Everton". Soccerway. Retrieved 21 October 2023.
- ^ Rindl, Joe (26 October 2023). "Liverpool 5-1 Toulouse: Clinical Reds cruise to Europa League win". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
- ^ "Calum Scanlon signs new contract with Liverpool FC". Liverpool FC. 9 April 2024. Retrieved 11 April 2024.
- ^ "Calum Scanlon joins Millwall on season-long loan". Millwall F.C. 29 August 2024. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
- ^ "Conceding in last minute 'nearly criminal' - Neil". BBC Sport. 22 January 2025. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "Loan | Calum Scanlon joins the Bluebirds". www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk. 1 February 2026. Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ^ Veevers, Nicholas (10 September 2024). "Report: England ELS 2-0 Romania". England Football. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ a b "Games played by Calum Scanlon in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
- ^ a b "Games played by Calum Scanlon in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 March 2025.
- ^ "Games played by Calum Scanlon in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 30 October 2023.
External links
[edit]- Calum Scanlon at Premier League (archived)
- Calum Scanlon – UEFA competition record (archive)
- Calum Scanlon at Soccerway
- Calum Scanlon at WorldFootball.net
Calum Scanlon
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and upbringing
Calum Alexander Scanlon was born on 14 February 2005 in Birmingham, England, to a local family with no known professional football connections.[1][9] He grew up in Birmingham, developing an early passion for football within the city's vibrant sporting environment.[10] Scanlon's family actively supported his involvement in sports from an early age.[11]Entry into football
Calum Scanlon began his involvement in organized football through the youth setup of his hometown club, Birmingham City, where he developed as a promising talent from a young age.[1][2] His family's local background in Birmingham provided support for his early pursuit of the sport, enabling his initial steps in the game.[11] Scanlon joined the Birmingham City academy as an under-10, following trials that assessed his potential.[12] He initially played in more advanced roles before transitioning to left-back around the under-14 or under-15 level.[10]Club career
Birmingham City youth
Calum Scanlon, a Birmingham native, joined the youth academy of his hometown club, Birmingham City, at an early age and progressed through its ranks as a promising talent.[13] He initially played further up the pitch in younger age groups, including the U14s and U15s, before transitioning to the left-back position around that time, where he adapted by focusing on increased ball involvement.[10] During his time in the academy, Scanlon's development emphasized defensive fundamentals, particularly one-v-one situations, which he identified as a key area of training to build his game.[10] His former coach praised his exceptional technical ability, especially with his outstanding left foot, and his capacity to excel in tight spaces, demonstrating high football intelligence by quickly absorbing instructions.[14] These attributes contributed to his rapid progression and drew attention from Premier League scouts by age 15, leading to his eventual move.[13] Scanlon later expressed gratitude to Birmingham City for supporting his growth in the academy system.[13]Liverpool academy and professional contract
Scanlon joined Liverpool's academy from Birmingham City in February 2021 for a reported fee of £500,000, a move that highlighted the promise he had shown in his hometown club's youth setup, where his performances had caught the attention of Liverpool scouts.[15] Adapting to the new environment presented initial challenges, including adjusting to the higher intensity and expectations of Liverpool's renowned academy system, but Scanlon quickly integrated by making his under-18 debut as a 16-year-old in May 2021 during a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.[1][16] Throughout his time in the under-18s, Scanlon contributed to several key academy successes, including Liverpool's run in the 2022–23 FA Youth Cup, where he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 third-round victory over AFC Bournemouth in December 2022, marking an impressive debut in that competition.[17] His progression led to promotion to the under-21 side in 2023, where he established himself with consistent performances, including scoring the opening goal in a 3–0 EFL Trophy group-stage win over Morecambe in September 2023. These achievements culminated in Scanlon signing his first professional contract with Liverpool in March 2022, a deal that committed him to the club until 2025.[3] In April 2024, Scanlon extended his contract on a long-term basis, a decision that underscored Liverpool's confidence in his development despite minor setbacks, such as recoveries from training injuries earlier in the season, following his strong under-21 form that included multiple goal contributions and regular starts.[18] This extension positioned him as a key prospect ready for potential senior opportunities, reflecting his growth into a versatile left-back capable of impacting games offensively and defensively within the academy ranks.[10]Senior debut and first-team appearances
Scanlon made his senior debut for Liverpool on 26 October 2023, entering as a 66th-minute substitute in the UEFA Europa League group stage match against Toulouse at Anfield, where he played 24 minutes during a 5–1 victory.[19] His second and final first-team appearance followed on 14 December 2023, again as a substitute for 27 minutes in a 2–1 UEFA Europa League group stage defeat to Union Saint-Gilloise away from home.[20][9] Across these two substitute outings, Liverpool recorded one win and one loss, equating to a 50% win ratio.[9] Throughout the 2023–24 season under manager Jürgen Klopp, Scanlon regularly trained with the first-team squad, particularly after first-choice left-back Andrew Robertson suffered a shoulder injury in October 2023 that sidelined him for several weeks.[21][22] This opportunity arose following his first professional contract signed in March 2022, which integrated academy players into senior sessions. He was named on the substitutes' bench for five matches that season, including two Premier League fixtures: the Merseyside derby against Everton on 21 October 2023 and the home win over Brentford on 12 November 2023.[9] Post-debut assessments highlighted Scanlon's composure under pressure, with the 18-year-old describing his Anfield introduction as an "amazing moment" and emphasizing his focus on executing the manager's instructions without overthinking the occasion.[10] Coaches noted his level-headedness and determination translated effectively to senior-level demands, enabling a seamless adaptation to the pace and intensity of European competition despite limited minutes.[10]2024–25 loan to Millwall
On 29 August 2024, Calum Scanlon joined EFL Championship club Millwall on a season-long loan from Liverpool, aimed at providing the young left-back with regular senior experience in a competitive league. The move came after his senior debut for Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League during the 2023–24 season, highlighting his potential for first-team progression. Under head coach Neil Harris, Scanlon made a brief debut as a substitute in Millwall's 1–0 away defeat to Luton Town on 14 September 2024, featuring for 11 minutes from the bench.[23] His time at The Den was quickly interrupted by a stress fracture in his back, diagnosed shortly after, which forced a return to Liverpool for treatment and sidelined him for three months.[5] Scanlon resumed training and rejoined Millwall in early January 2025, now under new head coach Alex Neil, who had taken over in late December 2024.[24] He started three consecutive Championship fixtures, adapting to Millwall's disciplined defensive structure while deploying as a left midfielder to leverage his attacking qualities.[23] In a 1–0 home loss to Hull City on 18 January, he played 63 minutes, showing promise in forward surges despite the result.[23] Three days later, against Cardiff City on 21 January, Scanlon started and scored his maiden senior goal after just 61 seconds, lashing a powerful shot into the net to open the scoring in a 2–2 draw at The Den.[25] His attacking intent was evident in the early strike, which energized Millwall's play, though the team conceded twice late on.[25] Scanlon's loan was cut short following a serious hamstring injury sustained just 17 minutes into his start against Luton Town on 25 January 2025, in a 1–0 victory.[23] The injury required surgery, ruling him out for the remainder of the season—approximately 16 weeks—and prompting an early return to Liverpool for rehabilitation.[26] Overall, he made four appearances for Millwall, three as starts, totaling 169 minutes and one goal, marking his first extended exposure to senior football despite the setbacks.[23]International career
Under-16 and under-18 levels
Scanlon received his first call-up to the England under-15 squad in December 2019 for a friendly against the Republic of Ireland, where he made his youth international debut playing the full 90 minutes.[27][28] His strong performances in Birmingham City's youth academy contributed to this initial national team recognition.[27] No appearances are recorded at the under-16 level. Scanlon progressed to the under-18 level in March 2023, when he was named in the squad for a training camp and series of friendlies in Croatia.[29] He made his under-18 debut on 22 March 2023, starting as left-back in a 2-1 victory over Croatia and playing 61 minutes before being substituted.[30][31] This appearance marked his only cap at the under-18 level as of November 2025.[32]Under-19 and under-20 levels
Scanlon earned his first call-up to the England under-19 squad in September 2023 ahead of UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers, building on his prior under-18 appearances. He featured as a left-back during the October 2023 qualifying campaign in Montenegro, starting in the 1-1 draw against Wales where he contributed defensively in a competitive match. The Young Lions advanced from Group 12 with an unbeaten record, including a goalless draw against the hosts and another stalemate with Austria, showcasing Scanlon's composure in high-stakes European youth fixtures.[33][34][35] In November 2023, Scanlon represented England under-19s at the Marbella Cup friendly tournament in Spain, starting in the 6-0 opening victory over Romania where the team kept a clean sheet. He provided a crucial last-minute assist in the 2-1 win against Japan, securing progression to the final, before featuring in the 7-1 triumph over Mexico that clinched the trophy. These performances highlighted his attacking contributions from left-back and helped establish him as a key prospect in the senior-most youth setup.[36][37][38] Scanlon transitioned to the England under-20 team in 2024, debuting in the U20 Elite League with a start in the 2-0 home win over Romania in September, where he played 76 minutes and contributed to a solid defensive display resulting in a clean sheet. He was named to the bench for the preceding 1-1 draw against Turkey, marking his integration into the age group amid his professional loan experience. This elevation underscored his rapid development and positioned him as a candidate for future senior international opportunities. As of November 2025, these remain his only U20 appearances.[39][40][41]Playing style and reputation
Positional attributes
Calum Scanlon primarily operates as an attacking left-back, leveraging his left foot to deliver precise crosses into the penalty area during overlaps.[42] His style emphasizes forward surges and quick footwork to exploit spaces on the flank, contributing to offensive transitions with effective recoveries in defensive phases.[43] This profile aligns with modern full-back demands, where he demonstrates strong engagement in duels both offensively and defensively.[43] Physically, Scanlon stands at 171 cm and weighs 60 kg, attributes that support his high-speed runs and elite acceleration on the pitch.[44] He possesses notable stamina, enabling sustained involvement across matches, and excels in one-on-one situations through rapid directional changes.[45] While his compact build aids agility, it presents challenges in aerial contests against taller opponents.[44] Scanlon exhibits tactical versatility, having transitioned from higher positions in his early academy days to a specialized left-back role, with capability to shift into a left-wing position when required.[10] These traits have been evident in youth setups and his loan spell, allowing fluid contributions beyond the traditional backline.[42]Expert opinions and potential
Liverpool academy staff have praised Calum Scanlon for his potential as a modern full-back, emphasizing his versatility and attacking contributions. Conditioning coach Michael Edge highlighted Scanlon's elite physical attributes, including exceptional speed and acceleration, describing him as "one of the fastest players I've worked with" and capable of transitioning seamlessly from left-back to left-winger due to his finishing, shooting, and technical skill.[42] During the Jürgen Klopp era, Scanlon received his senior debut in the 2023–24 season, with Klopp praising the academy players following pre-season training in 2023 after Scanlon's return from injury.[46] Academy directors like Alex Inglethorpe and Barry Lewtas have further commended his level-headed determination and ability to perform consistently across levels, encouraging him to "be free on the pitch" to maximize his natural flair.[10] Post his 2024–25 loan to Millwall, media reports and scout analyses have noted Scanlon's resilience in overcoming multiple injuries, including a stress fracture and hamstring issue that sidelined him for much of the season. Millwall head coach Alex Neil described Scanlon as "excellent" upon his return from a four-month absence, praising his athleticism, technical ability, and composure on the ball during a January 2025 match against Hull City, where he was substituted early as a precautionary measure amid the team's injury concerns.[47] Analysts have projected his readiness for Premier League integration around 2026, citing his elite mindset and physical recovery as key factors for establishing himself as a first-team option at Liverpool.[42] Scanlon's market value has progressed to €700,000 as of May 2025, reflecting growing recognition of his development, though experts emphasize the need for additional loan experiences to build match fitness and refine his defensive positioning toward becoming a regular first-team player.[2]Career statistics
Club
Scanlon's club career statistics, encompassing both youth and senior appearances up to November 2025, are summarized in the following table. These figures include all verified competitions and reflect his progression from academy levels to professional loans and first-team opportunities.[48][49][50][51][52]| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–23 | Liverpool U18 | U18 Premier League | 30 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Liverpool U21 | Premier League 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Liverpool U21 | Premier League 2 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Liverpool U21 | EFL Trophy | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Liverpool | UEFA Europa League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Millwall | Championship | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | All clubs | All competitions | 51 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
International
Scanlon has progressed through various levels of England's youth international setup, earning caps from under-17 to under-20 age groups.[51] The following table summarizes his international youth appearances by age group, including total caps, goals, and key competitions participated in. Data is current as of November 2025, with no additional appearances recorded after September 2024, potentially influenced by his club loan commitments. Assists and defensive metrics such as clean sheets are not comprehensively tracked or reported for these youth levels.| Age Group | Caps | Goals | Key Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|
| U17 | 4 | 0 | Friendlies and development matches (March–June 2022)[51] |
| U18 | 1 | 0 | Friendly vs. Croatia (June 2023) |
| U19 | 8 | 0 | UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers (3 appearances); Marbella Cup (won the tournament in December 2022)[53][54] |
| U20 | 1 | 0 | U20 Elite League vs. Romania (September 2024)[55] |
