Although it was claimed last week (by the Lancashire Telegraph) as ‘just one possibility’, Lancs Live has now confirmed Blackburn Rovers’ interest in highly-rated Liverpool teenager Leighton Clarkson. The Reds are yet to decide on whether to allow Harvey Elliott to return to Ewood Park for the upcoming term, but the blossoming relationship between these two sides might see the young midfield prodigy ending up at his hometown club on a season-long loan.
The 19-year-old East Lancashire-born central midfielder has progressed through the esteemed academy ranks of Liverpool. He has been training alongside the first-team stars for quite some time now and his composure in the middle of the park earned him a Champions League debut last season against FC Midtjylland.
In spite of a couple of Cup appearances in 2019-20, the youngster is yet to make his Premier League debut. He might have to wait a bit longer, though, if a deal is agreed with the Rovers. However, Championship football would indeed help him grow his game both physically as well as mentally.
“In Germany, there’s a famous player who played similar to him. You might have to go back a little longer and I don’t want to put pressure on the boy but he reminds me a lot of him.”
Jurgen Klopp did not reveal the name of that ‘famous player’ while praising Clarkson, but the Athletic’s Caoimhe O’Neil has explained that ‘the boy’ has been nicknamed as ‘Philipp Lahm’ in the Liverpool camp. It’s a massive compliment from the Anfield chief and a move to Blackburn would hand him the opportunity to justify his talents in the centre of the pitch.
A Win-Win Move For All Parties Involved
Liverpool still have ample midfield options despite failing to retain the services of Georginio Wijnaldum. Moreover, the rumours of Florian Neuhaus are gathering pace and the presence of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones makes it more complicated for the teenage sensation to break into the senior side immediately.
Nevertheless, an impressive spell on loan might earn him more recognition similar to Elliott and the versatility he offers from a central role would benefit Blackburn who must aim for a playoff place finish next year after sustaining stability under Tony Mowbray. Liverpool, too, should welcome an offer for Leighton Clarkson and monitor his progress with the Riversiders.
