After rejecting several bids for Bobby Clarke, Liverpool have now agreed a permanent deal for the 19-year-old to leave Anfield.
Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg, currently managed by Pep Lijnders, have consistently shown a keen interest in signing Clarke this summer.
Liverpool had previously rejected bids worth £6 million and £8.2 million, but have now reached an agreement worth £10 million.
Including members of the Merseyside Press The TimesPaul Joyce added that a 17.5 per cent buy-in clause had also been agreed, meaning Liverpool could potentially benefit in the future.
There is also speculation that the Reds will have priority in transfer negotiations when the transfer market opens in the future – two clauses that would be useful for a talented young player.
Clarke will travel to Austria to undergo a medical and finalise the details of his move, just three years after joining the club.
There will be disappointments too
Liverpool paid £1.5m for Clarke in 2021 and have therefore received a significant return on their investment, but there will understandably be plenty of disappointment over the deal.
The teenager impressed after breaking into the first team last season, making 12 appearances and picking up a League Cup winners’ medal.
He has gained a lot of fans, most notably Lijnders and Vitor Matos. He is now working with both of them again, and we know they have his best interests at heart.
Salzburg have started the season with two wins in two games and now have just two play-off games left to secure Champions League qualification, where they could face Liverpool.
Clarke has made 14 appearances for Liverpool, including three starts in 2023/24, but a back injury has ruled him out of Arne Slot’s pre-season.
He is just one of several young players who have secured a move this summer, either on loan or on a permanent transfer, with the likes of Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, Jeff van den Berg, James McConnell, Owen Beck and Tyler Morton among those set to join.
