Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has admitted talks have been held over terminating the loan of Liverpool winger Ben Woodburn early.
Woodburn joined the Blades on a season-long loan in the summer but has made just eight appearances for the club in all competitions after failing to establish himself as a starter.
There has been reports that Liverpool may decide to bring Woodburn back in January, and Wilder has now admitted that is a distinct possibility for the 19-year-old.
As quoted by the Sheffield Telegraph, he said: “It’s been talked about [his loan being terminated in January]. The loan hasn’t gone as well as Ben and us would have liked, for various reasons – like the form of Mark Duffy, who’s probably playing the best football of his career, and the team as a whole.”
OPINION
It is a massive shame that things have not worked out as planned for Woodburn at Bramall Lane, with his summer exit promising so much for both Liverpool and the 19-year-old. The Blades were expected to be in and around the promotion picture in the Championship this season, and are most certainly living up to that so far as they sit in fifth. Unfortunately Woodburn has not played a big part in that at all, with the winger making just two starts in eight appearances so far. Liverpool are reported to be understanding of the situation, but a recall in January does seem the best move for all involved. The Reds recalled Ryan Kent from an unsuccessful spell in Germany last January and sent him out on another loan to Bristol City which got him more game time. The same move would be beneficial for Woodburn, who needs to be playing regular football at this point in his career.
