EPL: Liverpool ‘blocked Bobby Clark exit on deadline day’

Liverpool were reportedly able to keep Bobby Clark from leaving in this last transfer window by blocking his move to Derby County.

The teenager travelled with the first-team squad for last weekend’s dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle United, and he was tipped to leave on loan before Friday’s 11pm deadline.

Sources told Football Insider that the Rams offered a loan for the 18-year-old this season, but Jurgen Klopp stepped in to stop his departure.

It’s been gathered that Klopp is keen to keep Clark at the club and integrate him into the Liverpool first team this season.

With Liverpool soon to kick off their bids for glory in the Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup, Klopp intends to offer Bobby Clark some minutes as he rotates his squad over the autumn and winter months.

The 18-year-old has already made two senior appearances for the Reds since joining from Newcastle United’s academy in 2021, debuting off the bench in last year’s 9-0 demolition of Bournemouth.

Clark made his first start for Jurgen Klopp’s side in an EFL Cup third-round tie against Derby County. He registered two goals and two assists in 22 games in the Premier League 2.

Having been involved for the Reds in pre-season, Clark made a statement of intent during the Under-21s Premier League 2 opener against Everton, scoring once and setting up two more goals in a 4-0 win.

Liverpool have undergone a complete midfield overhaul since the end of last season, shipping out former stalwarts Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner also left upon the expirations of their contracts, while Leighton Clarkson moved to Aberdeen on a permanent basis, and Tyler Morton has joined Hull City on loan.