Shocking news arriving from Spain recently suggests that FC Barcelona are interested in Ben Woodburn. The Liverpool starlet, who’s winning national accolades galore is, in fact, a hot topic in the camps of FC Barcelona.
The Spanish giants were scouting the Welshman, who only made his senior breakthrough last season. However, Don Balon further claims that the youngster was on Barca’s since the age of 12 and the Catalans could make a move for him in the coming months, preferably, the January transfer window.
But does it make any kind of sense for the Spanish league leaders?
Ben Woodburn is undoubtedly one of Wales’ best young prospects at the moment – if not the best. The youngster was rewarded with his first senior call-up for the Welsh national side earlier this month, when he scored a goal on his debut and later, provided an assist in his second game against Moldova. His impressive performances in the World Cup qualifiers have surely raised an eyebrow or two.
Woodburn is touted as the next big thing in Merseyside, soon after he eclipsed Michael Owen’s record as the youngest goalscorer for Liverpool last season. However, Woodburn has found it difficult to make a stunning breakthrough into the Liverpool starting eleven, largely due to the fact that the offensive men are firing on all cylinders this season. In fact, he is yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League this season.
However, the 17-year-old could actually be a decent fit for FC Barcelona. The Catalans have recently extended the contract of star midfielder Andres Iniesta, but at the age of 33, one shouldn’t expect too much from the Spanish International, therefore the need of a young and promising player who can replace the Spaniard in the long-run, is imminent.
Barcelona will definitely seek a direct replacement for Andres Iniesta but Ben Woodburn’s move to the Nou Camp, hands head coach Ernesto Valverde with a long-term option at the midfield position.
However, considering the fact that Ben Woodburn is regarded as one of the most promising young prospects in Liverpool, it’s really hard to imagine the Reds letting the midfielder leave the club so soon after making his breakthrough at the professional level. In addition, the 17-year-old also is bound to a contract with the club, which lasts until 2019, enough to further denounce Barca’s claim for the youngster.
