Liverpool could recall Ben Woodburn from his season-long loan at Sheffield United in the January window, it has been confirmed.
Speaking at his media conference on Monday, United manager Chris Wilder admitted that the possibility of the attacker heading back to Anfield in the winter window has been discussed with the player.
“It’s been talked about [his loan being terminated in January],” Wilder told the Sheffield Star.
“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.”
Woodburn joined the Championship outfit in the summer for the entire campaign but there is a recall option in Liverpool’s favour.
OPINION
Liverpool must bring Woodburn back at the first opportunity. It is helping neither Woodburn or themselves that the highly-rated youngster is kicking his heels at the Championship promotion hopefuls at a time in his career when he needs to be playing regular to develop and hone his trade against experienced and quality professionals. On the one hand, the Wales international is at least learning first half there are no guarantees in football and his reputation as one of the most exciting teenagers in British football does not amount to a hill of beans when Championship promotion is on the line. Woodburn has had just 28 minutes of senior football since August and his confidence is likely to have plummeted as a result of his lack of game time. Sensibly, all the Merseysiders’ year-long loans appear to have recall options, which gives them the freedom to call a halt when things are not working out, or to leave well alone when they are. Liverpool can soon rip up the Woodburn deal, and start again. For the benefit of all parties, they must look to do so at the first opportunity.