Charlotte Wardlaw has had her loan spell at Liverpool cut short and has returned to parent club Chelsea ahead of the second half of the season.
Wardlaw made her senior debut for Emma Hayes' side aged just 16 and signed her first professional contract with the club in June 2021. The 19-year-old spent the following campaign on loan at Liverpool, helping the Reds to clinch promotion to the Women's Super League.
Wardlaw was instrumental in securing Liverpool's place back in the top-flight, making 23 appearances and scoring two goals as Matt Beard's side stormed to the Championship title. The midfielder agreed a second loan move to Merseyside back in September but has only featured four times in the league this season, starting just one WSL game.
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The 19-year-old was initally slated to remain at Liverpool until the end of the season but a lack of game time means her loan spell has been curtailed after just four months.
Confirming Wardlaw's exit in a statement on Tuesday afternoon, the club said: "Liverpool FC Women can confirm that Charlotte Wardlaw is to return to parent club Chelsea Women after the conclusion of her loan spell.
"The 19-year-old made the move back to the Reds for a second time in September after agreeing a season-long switch. A defender, who can also operate in midfield, Wardlaw spent the previous campaign among Matt Beard's squad, making 23 appearances as they lifted the FA Women’s Championship and secured promotion back to the Barclays Women’s Super League.
"Both clubs have now mutually agreed to bring the second loan to an end, subject to the necessary approvals. Everyone at LFC Women would like to thank Charlotte for her efforts and wish her every success in the future."
Wardlaw's exit marks Liverpool's first departure of the January transfer window. The Reds have already bolstered their squad however, with the club having confirmed the signing of defender and former Liverpool captain Gemma Bonner last month.
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