There are not too many clubs with a greater reputation than Liverpool when it comes to giving youth a chance.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen; three iconic graduates of the esteemed Anfield club’s academy.
The sight of Liverpool ending last season’s 1-0 EFL Cup final victory over Chelsea with Coaimhin Kelleher, James McDonnell, Jayden Danns, Jarell Quansah and Bobby Clark on the Wembley turf, meanwhile, had some dubbing the next generation of Liverpool starlets as ‘Klopp’s kids’ in a nod to those famous ‘Fergie Fledglings’.
Whether the ‘amazing’ Danns and co can build on eye-catching breakout seasons – particularly after Klopp’s departure – remains to be seen. At least, in former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, Liverpool have replaced the legendary German with another head coach renowned for prioritising talent over experience.
Still, the chance to further hone his talents under Slot was not enough to convince Bobby Clark to turn down an offer from Red Bull Salzburg.
Bobby Clark leaves Liverpool for Red Bull Salzburg
Arguably no club in Europe – and that includes Liverpool – can boast a better record when it comes to turning very promising youngsters into big-name stars over the last decade or so.
Liverpool have benefitted from that themselves; Dominik Szoboszlai, Sadio Mane, Takumi Minamino and Naby Keita all arriving at Anfield after being given their wings by Red Bull.
Clark will now hope to emulate the success of Mane, Dayot Upamecano, Karim Adeyemi and, of course, one Erling Haaland.
The Austrian giants have completed a £10 million deal for the Surrey-born teenager, reuniting him with Klopp’s old right-hand man Pep Lijnders after what Clark describes as an ‘incredible three years’ in Liverpool red.
Salzburg failed to win the Austrian Bundesliga title for the first time in 11 years last season. They were pipped to the post by a Sturm Graz side who snapped up a young Premier League starlet themselves in ex-Arsenal whizzkid Mika Biereth.
Biereth has been a revelation in mainland Europe, and Salzburg will be hoping that Clarke can make a similarly immediate impact.
“Bobby Clark is a highly talented player with enormous potential,” sporting director Bernhard Seonbuchner tells the club’s official website. “(The 19-year-old) will further increase our quality thanks to his skills.
“He received a large part of his training at Liverpool FC, where he also played in the first team, and therefore knows our coach well. This certainly contributed to our success in bringing Bobby to FC Red Bull Salzburg.”
Anfield graduate inherits Sadio Mane’s old shirt number
Capped by England at Under 20 level, Clark had spells in the Birmingham City and Newcastle United academy before moving to the north west.
Clark made 12 appearances for Liverpool last season. He even became the club’s youngest-ever European goalscorer, breaking Alexander-Arnold’s record when netting in a 6-1 thrashing of Sparta Prague.
“I am pleased to be taking this step in my career,” explains Clark, who dons the number ten shirt previously worn by Liverpool legend Mane. “I can hardly wait to get out onto the pitch with my new team-mates.
“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. They were a big inspiration for me.
“Everyone knows how great the prospects are for young players here. I also know Pep Lijnders from Liverpool, of course.
“The fact he is the coach here influenced my decision.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
