League Cup HERO edges one step closer to surprise Liverpool exit | OneFootball

As Liverpool continue to navigate a quiet summer transfer window, another of their promising young talents has moved a step closer to the Anfield exit door.

After discussions progressed swiftly over the weekend, an agreement over personal terms was reached on Sunday for midfielder Bobby Clark to complete a £10 million transfer to Red Bull Salzburg.

According to the Echo, the 19-year-old is expected to travel to Austria either today or tomorrow to complete the formalities and sign a five-year contract.

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Clark and Lijnders to work together again

The decision to leave the club was reportedly a challenging one for the teenager. However, the prospect of regular first-team football in the Austrian Bundesliga, coupled with the opportunity to play in the Champions League, proved too good to pass up.

Likewise, the chance for the England youth international to reunite with former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who took charge of Salzburg this summer, was an enticing prospect.

Lijnders has been instrumental in the youngster's development and played a key role in fast-tracking him to the first team under the management of Jurgen Klopp.

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The 2023/24 season was an important one for Clark. He made 12 appearances and was among several young talents who featured in the club's League Cup final victory over Chelsea at Wembley in February.

Liverpool have opted to include both a buy-back and sell-on clause in the deal, indicating a strong belief in his potential — even if they believe it isn't going to be realised on Merseyside.

An exodus of young players

Clark's impending departure is part of a broader trend at Liverpool this summer, with several young players leaving the club. Earlier in the transfer window, 21-year-old Fabio Carvalho was sold to Brentford, and reports suggest that Liverpool may also sanction the transfer of academy prospect Harvey Blair, despite his impressive pre-season performances.

Winger Ben Doak, 18, is also rumoured to be available for a permanent move. While a loan is the most likely outcome, the Reds could be tempted to sell should they receive an offer that matches their valuation.

Likewise, Stefan Bajcetic, 19, could also be set to complete a loan move to gain him valuable playing time.

The moves have sparked criticism from some fans, particularly as Liverpool have yet to make any new signings in the current transfer window.

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