Fans react to confirmed deal

Fans have reacted to the news that Liverpool starlet Ben Woodburn will be leaving the club this summer.

Championship side Sheffield United have confirmed on Twitter that Woodburn has signed a season-long loan deal with them.

Reds’ manager Jurgen Klopp has made the decision to loan out the Wales international in order to give him an experience of playing regularly in a competitive league.

Woodburn is regarded as a hot prospect and this transfer coup has excited Blades fans, who can’t wait to see the youngster in action.

According to the United official website, Chris Wilder’s team had to fight off competition from a host of other sides before landing their man. And the manager has spoken about his excitement at having Woodburn in the squad.

"“It’s his first loan move and I’m sure it will be a great one for all parties,” enthused Wilder. “He makes goals and score goals with both feet, he can play in a couple of attacking positions and gives us flexibility at the top of the pitch.”"

The 18-year-old is Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer after he netted against Leeds United in 2016, beating a record that had been held by Michael Owen.

But last season was something of a lost one for Woodburn, who only played 50 minutes of competitive action across two games. With the arrival of Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City, places in the first team squad are at an even higher premium and so it’s not a surprise to see the Chester born starlet head out on loan.

In other transfer news, fellow youngster Sheyi Ojo looks set to spend another season in the Championship. The 21-year-old is wanted by Middlesbrough, said the Liverpool Echo, and Klopp has admitted that it wouldn’t make sense to keep Ojo at Anfield.

Despite this, the manager praised his young attacker’s attitude and skill on the pitch – but there will still be no place for Ojo in the first team.