Oxford United have signed Liverpool youngster Ben Woodburn on a season-long loan. The 19-year-old will be a welcome addition following the departure of Gavin Whyte to Cardiff City just a few hours earlier.
The attacking midfielder, who can also play on each wing, is highly regarded at the Premier League outfit and holds the record as the clubs youngest ever goalscorer. He also scored on his Wales debut against Austria.
Ben Woodburn Joins Oxford United From Liverpool
Promising Youngster Arrives at Oxford
Despite a relatively unsuccessful loan spell at Sheffield United last season, Woodburn will aim to improve his form after being branded a promising youngster, whilst Karl Robinson, who coached him whilst working at the Liverpool academy, will also want to get there best of this player.
Woodburn told the Oxford Mail: “First of all I heard about it from Liverpool. They said they thought this was a good club for me to go to at this stage in my career. Obviously, I agreed and I’m just happy to be here now.
“Coming to League One will definitely help my career. I’m just here to try to get games and help the team.”
Despite agreeing to a season-long loan, Liverpool have put a recall clause in the deal. The Premier League side used this last season during the attackers’ trouble to break into the Blades team.
Robinson, who has been frustrated with this summer’s transfer activity, is delighted to secure the player.
He said: “Ben can play off the left, in behind a striker or as a striker who comes and gets it to feet, so he plays in three really key positions for us. He’s such a talented individual.
“Liverpool had some offers from Championship clubs, but they felt our style and the way we press was of a level that supported his growth. We’re getting a full Welsh international who plays off Gareth Bale. He’s scored at the Kop End at Anfield aged 16.”
What Can The U’s Expect?
This could be a real coup for Oxford. He’s not likely to feature for the Liverpool first-team any time soon, so a loan spell will benefit both him and the club. He struggled in an in-form Sheffield United side, and although he could have had another attempt in the Championship, dropping to League One may drastically improve his form.
As for Oxford, they’ve had a dreadful summer, and after the news earlier that Gavin Whyte left the club, they’ll be delighted to get a new face through the door at the earliest opportunity.
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