Former Liverpool midfielder Cameron Brannagan has claimed leaving the Reds was the ‘best move’ he ever made.
The 23-year-old grew up within the European champions’ academy, and was viewed as a top class prospect, but eventually took the decision to move on to League One side Oxford United in 2018.
He’s adamant he made the right call: “It’s been good at Oxford,” he told the Liverpool Echo. “I’m back enjoying my football; which I needed. It’s been the best move I’ve made because I needed to play and show what I could do.
“It was and it wasn’t a difficult decision. It was a bit different because I had been at the club for so long, but it was a move that I had to make for myself. It’s completely different to under-23s football. I’ve been at Oxford for two years and I’ve learned so much. I wanted to go and prove what I’m worth, what I’m about, and Oxford gave me that chance.”
OPINION
It’s always strange when you get these young players who you hear lots and lots about how good they’re going to be when they’re youngsters, but they can never seem to fulfil their potential at senior level. That was the case with Brannagan, who was seen as one of the brightest prospects within the Liverpool academy at one stage. However, he never quite found his feet, and that ultimately led to him choosing a different path with Oxford. He has flourished since, and so you have to consider it the correct decision from the midfielder. He’s scored 13 times and bagged nine assists in 83 games for the U’s, including seven goals and three assists this term [Source: Transfermarkt]. That’s terrific form, and it’s seen the youngster resurrect his career. You’ve got to say now, then, that it would be extremely surprising if he stayed at League One level for much longer. He’s at a good club with a good manager, but he’s clearly got the ability to play at a higher level. But this drop down the leagues was clearly what he needed to find his feet.
