Reports have emerged that Liverpool winger, Ben Woodburn will be allowed to leave on loan in the January transfer window by club manager, Jurgen Klopp. The German will sanction the move only if he is promised regular team football for the remainder of the season.
Woodburn has failed to make a senior team appearance this season for the Reds with the likes of Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho ahead of him in the pecking order. However, he has been impressive for the U-23 side with 3 goals and 3 assists in 12 appearances this season.
After coming right through Liverpool’s academy, Woodburn signed his first professional contract with the Reds in November 2016 after impressing in that summer’s pre-season, including a goal in a 5-0 friendly win over Fleetwood Town.
Woodburn has been blessed with scorching pace on the wings and a keen eye for finding the back of the net. Predominantly a winger he can play in the number 10 role as well behind the striker. The 18-year-old’s talents will be a major boost for many clubs in the second half of the season.
Sunderland’s newly appointed manager, Chris Coleman, had previously worked with Woodburn in the Wales national team is greatly aware of the footballing intelligence the teenager possesses. Coleman gave Woodburn his international debut for Wales on which he scored after only 261 seconds in September’s World Cup qualifier against Austria.
Coleman has been tasked with the job of saving the season for the Black Cats, who are facing yet another relegation battle this season. With a lack of quality in the attacking lineup while also being well accustomed to the manger’s gameplay it would be easy for Woodburn to receive regular game time and make an impact on the side.
Coleman’s talents are also being monitored by Nottingham Forest’s director of football, Frank McParland who has previously scouted talents like Raheem Sterling. Forrest are currently in the 11 spot of the league table 7 points behind the playoff spots. Their attacking lineup is not exactly firing on all cylinders and are in need of fresh boots to take up the responsibility if they want to finish in the top 6 by the end of the season.
A move to the Championship can be ruled out if Huddersfield Town can convince the Chester-bord midfielder to play for them and help them survive a season in top-flight English football. The Terriers have so far impressed in the season especially after their weekend win against Watford. They can utilise Woodburn’s talents up top and finish way above the relegation spot, the perfect way to announce your presence in the Premier League.
