LIVERPOOL youngster Ben Woodburn is set to join Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam on a season-long loan deal, reports claim.
The Welsh international burst onto the scene at Anfield in 2016 – when he became the Reds’ youngest-ever goalscorer at just 17 years and 45 days in an EFL Cup tie against Leeds United.
Woodburn burst onto the scene with Liverpool back in 2016Credit: AFP or licensors
Woodburn, now 20, has found the following years tough, however, having added just ten more first-team appearances since that memorable debut for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The striker has played just 24 times in the last two seasons during loan spells at Sheffield United and Oxford United – having suffered a fractured foot during his campaign with the latter.
But according to the Standard, Liverpool have found him another loan spell that could help him get back on track.
They claim that upon the recommendation of Klopp’s assistant Pepijn Lijnders, Woodburn will head to Eredivisie side Sparta Rotterdam in a bid to gain form and confidence.
Woodburn also has experience on the international scene, having been handed a Wales debut by Chris Coleman back in 2017.
He instantly repaid his manager’s faith, scoring a 25-yard screamer against Austria from the bench to help his side to a crucial victory.
The 5ft 10in attacker has earned a further nine caps since, and will be hoping that good form in Holland could see him force his way back into current boss Ryan Giggs’ plans.
His most recent call-up came in March of this year, when he was an unused substitute against Finland.
Manchester United legend Giggs, 46, appears to have faith in Woodburn, having gushed over his talent back in March 2019.
The Welshman also netted on his international debutCredit: Rex Features
He said: “He’s a great kid, he’s talented and credit to his fitness – it’s probably not been where it should be, obviously not playing, moving to a different club and environment.
“But now he’s back, in really good physical condition, he’s had four or five games in Liverpool’s U23s and he looks lean and fit and he’s a threat.
“He’s at a very good club [Liverpool] who will look after him. Keeping working hard which he is doing at the moment.”
Alan Pardew is officially announced by Dutch club ADO Den Haag as new manager
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
