LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard is unlikely to return to Liverpool on loan in January, says MLS commissioner Don Garber.
Gerrard, 35, joined the Galaxy on a free transfer in the summer after being released by his boyhood club at the end of last season and it had been suggested the former England captain would return to Anfield on loan.
However, Garber has played down the likelihood of this happening in order to protect the integrity of the league.
“I don’t think it’s positive for the brand we’re trying to build to have players leave in the middle of the season or come late because they are going out on loan,” the MLS chief told Sky Sports News.
“Someone who is going to be out on loan for the whole year – like they do in the rest of the world – that’s something that players and teams can talk to each other about.
“It was part of the dynamic of MLS many years ago. Part of that was simply because the league hadn’t developed enough from a competitive perspective and there was the view that players had to go and play at a more competitive level. That doesn’t necessarily exist today.”
Gerrard has made a fine start to life in Los Angeles since his move. The 35-year-old has had a direct hand in four goals in his seven MLS appearances and his WhoScored rating is bettered by just three teammates (7.42).
For more stats on Steven Gerrard, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
