Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson has signed his first professional contract at Anfield, it has been confirmed.
The midfield starlet was an integral part of the Reds’ Under-18’s last season, being involved in their FA Youth Cup success against Manchester City.
Liverpool announced the news on their official club website on Monday morning, with Clarkson looking to push on with the Reds’ under-19’s squad next season.
Clarkson, a holding midfielder, made 23 appearances in the under-18’s Premier League last season, scoring four goals and assisting a further six from the heart of midfield.
Liverpool describes the 17-year-old as a creative anchor who has great distribution skills and also a dead-ball specialist.
OPINION
This is great news for Liverpool, who will be always looking to tie their brightest talents down to professional contracts when they hit the age of 17. To secure Clarkson to a new deal is great work by the Reds, after the starlet highlighted his talent throughout the under-18’s campaign. At 17-years-old, the midfield anchor also made his UEFA Youth League debut for the under-19’s last season, and Liverpool will surely be hoping that he can continue his rise next season and cement his spot in the youth side the year above his age range. For a holding midfielder, Clarkson obviously possesses the ability to also make runs past his fellow midfielders and become a goal threat to the opposition, as shown by the fact he was involved in 10 goals last season, at an average of nearly a goal involvement every two games for the under-18’s. Klopp has started to integrate more youngsters into Liverpool’s senior squad this summer, with the likes of Yasser Larouci getting opportunities in pre-season – surely Clarkson’s goal for next season.
