Brighton loanee returns to East Sussex as second stint with Standard Liege cut short

Standard Liege have announced that on loan Brighton midfielder Steven Alzate has returned to England with three games remaining in the season. The 25-year-old midfielder, in his second spell at the club, has been on the bench the past few weeks as Ivan Leko looks to focus on players who are likely to be there next season. As a result, Alzate has not been given much playing time.

It is clear from the press release that the club is unlikely to make a move to bring Alzate back in the summer, with the midfielders contract in England set to expire. Last season Alzate was a key member of the side under Ronny Deila, with many fans wanting him to return this season. However, he has been unable to have the same impact this time around, although this is not down to him alone. Standard have been poor this season and look a far cry from a side that used to compete for trophies.

Over a two year spell with Standard, Alzate scored five goals and provided nine assists in 54 games. He should certainly have plenty of suitors as a free agent in the summer. Standard are unlikely to have the finances required to give him a contract, given that their owners 777 are embroiled in fraud allegations in the United States.