Sources close to EFL Hub have confirmed that Salford City are closing in on a deal for Ben Woodburn, the former Liverpool youngster.
Woodburn is currently a free agent, and at 24 may feel he needs regular football to make an impression at senior level. It’s believed Salford are now prepping a surprise move for the Welsh winger, who was once the toast of Anfield.
The winger began his career with the Reds and made a total of 11 appearances for the club, starting with a Premier League debut in November 2016. A couple of days later, he became a record-breaker in the League Cup against Leeds United. He netted in front of the Kop, and at just 17 years, 1 month and 14 days old, he became Liverpool’s youngest-ever goal scorer. Before the end of the season he also netted for Wlae,s but things began to turn after a series of loans.
He went to Sheffield United and was unsuited to their rigid 3-5-2 system, and struggled for game time. He was recalled and spent the remainder of the 2017/18 season with the Reds, before joining Oxford United where he played under current Ammies boss Karl Robinson.
Spells at Blackpool and Hearts followed before he was released by Liverpool, joining Preston North End. He’s been with the Lilywhites for the last two seasons, but scored once last campaign, where he mostly appeared as a late sub.
He’s now set to rekindle his relationship with Robinson and should be available for the Ammies’ opening day fixture against the much-fancied Port Vale.
Site Opinion
League One, sure, why not? But League Two? Ben Woodburn is really taking a big step down here, and it’s another move that could prove risky for his career. That Sheffield United loan killed his progress, and he’s never been the same. Combined with injuries, he’s had it tough and perhaps feels somewhere where he is guaranteed regular football is a good choice.
It’s a risk; if he goes there and struggles, then he’s not going to climb back up. He’s got a lot to prove, but he is still young enough to go ahead and make his point. However, it really is make-or-break time.
Leave a Reply