OPINION
It is well-known that Liverpool have a stringent set of requirements for clubs looking to loan their young players, with financial penalties imposed if they are not met.
Such a system is understandable, but it does sometimes seem to limit opportunities for young players to a significant degree.
One of those players in question at the moment is Ben Woodburn, who has returned to Anfield after an unsuccessful spell at Sheffield United in the Championship.
The 19-year-old Wales international made just eight appearances for the Blades before the decision was made to cut his deal short, and the club are now looking for another loan opportunity.
Speaking about their thought process on another move, manager Jurgen Klopp said: “We have to see. There are a couple of clubs interested, but to be honest if these clubs don’t give me the guarantee that he will play, there is absolutely no reason from my point of view to give him on loan,” as quoted by the club’s official website.
Klopp’s remarks here really reinforce their thinking behind their loan system, and it is clear that the German is ready to keep Woodburn around instead of letting him leave.
If Woodburn does want to leave in search of first-team football, then it is now pretty clear that the club and player may have to look a bit lower down the league pyramid than they may want to.
Liverpool have largely looked to the Championship when it comes to loaning young players out with Woodburn heading to Sheffield while Harry Wilson is currently playing at Derby County.
However, at this point in the season it is highly unlikely that any second-tier side would be able to guarantee that Woodburn would play enough to appease Liverpool.
It is therefore necessary for the Reds to look to teams in League One or even League Two if they want to secure a satisfactory loan for Woodburn.
Whether they will do that is yet to be seen, and Woodburn could well end up playing Under-23 football for the rest of the season.
