Liverpool are quietly having a good transfer window in terms of trimming down their squad.
Some will not be happy about the fact, but the Reds are seemingly intent on making a profit on a number of highly-rated young players.
Bobby Clark became the latest prospect to add his name to this list as he completed a £10m move to RB Salzburg on Thursday. It looks like a good move for Clark, who joins up with former Reds assistant manager Pep Lijnders.
And speaking after the deal was wrapped up and announced, the 19-year-old also said one current – and one former – Liverpool squad member was influential in his decision.
Liverpool player Bobby Clark in action during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on Ma...
Bobby Clark names Sadio Mane inspiration
It was initially a slight surprise to see that Clark would be allowed to leave Liverpool permanently this summer.
However, with an opportunity like the one presented at Salzburg on the table, it would not have been right for the Reds to stand in his way.
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Liverpool have banked a good profit on a player who cost them around £1.5m three years ago and there is an argument that this is evidence of their new approach to the academy working.
Certainly, Clark should be happy with the transfer. Not only does it give him the chance to work alongside Lijnders again, but having been given the No.10 shirt, he looks set to start for team who will likely be playing in the Champions League.
In quotes from redbullsalzburg.at, Clark seems delighted by the move. Citing former Salzburg players Sadio Mane and Dominik Szoboszlai as being ‘inspirations’ the teenager can’t wait to get started.
“I am pleased to be taking this step in my career, and I can hardly wait to get out onto the pitch with my new team-mates,” he says.
“It is the perfect move to the perfect club for me. I saw at Liverpool the kind of players that are developed in Salzburg like Sadio Mane and Dominik Szoboszlai, and they were a big inspiration for me,” Clark adds.
“Everyone knows how great the prospects are for young players here. I also know Pep Lijnders from Liverpool, of course, and the fact he is the coach here influenced my decision.”
Do Liverpool have a buy-back clause?
You can understand why some people will be disappointed with the decision to let Clark go.
However, while he did indeed look like a handy player, it’s tough to see how he could have gotten minutes in a packed Liverpool midfield this season.
Instead, the Reds have chosen to sell while his stock was high and we are fine with that call.
The Reds could also stand to make money in the future from this deal. According to journalist Paul Joyce, Liverpool have a 17.5 per cent sell-on clause for Clark, and have also agreed a ‘match rights’ agreement.
This means that if any club come in with an offer for Clark in the future, Liverpool are given the opportunity to match the bid. Not bad. All the best, Bobby!
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