In a move that should make every Liverpool fan happy, Wales international star Ben Woodburn has signed a new long-term deal with the club. This news should put all rumours linking the youngster with interest from across Europe to bed.
The 18-year-old has made just one first-team appearance this season for the Reds but has attracted more attention than any first-teamer. He already has four caps for the Wales national team, marking his debut with a spectacular goal. In total, he has featured 10 times for the club, scoring once.
Woodburn has featured for only 45 minutes this season, which was in our 2-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester City last month. However, it was in the EFL Cup last season when he came into prominence, becoming the youngest ever goalscorer for Liverpool at the age of 17 years and 45 days on his debut against Leeds United.
Then, it was his crucial goal against Austria for Wales on his debut in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers that made everyone sit up and notice his talent.
Almost immediately, there were rumours in the transfer market that Spanish giants Barcelona could make a swoop for the youngster. It was reported widely by the Spanish media that the Catalans could raid Anfield for the duo of Philippe Coutinho and Woodburn in January.
Quashing all those rumors, the youngster has penned a new contract at Anfield after a remarkable 12 months at the club. Talking to the club’s official website after signing the contract, Woodburn expressed his happiness at staying at the club.
“This is the club I want to stay at and be here as long as possible.
“When I was told, all I wanted to do was sign the contract. It feels good. Now I just want to carry on and hopefully show the manager what I can do.
Club manager Jurgen Klopp expressed his happiness at making the youngster sign a new contract, remarking that he is ‘an unbelievable talent’. The club has not announced the length of the winger’s new deal.
This is great news for the club because tying one of the best youngsters in England, if not Europe, shows a positive sign of intent. As for the player, let’s hope he keeps enjoying his stint at Anfield and lives up to the expectations.
