Liverpool make late Bobby Clark u-turn on transfer deadline day

Liverpool have made a late decision on Bobby Clark. The teenager has been linked with a move away on transfer deadline day.

The Athletic's James Pearce reports that Liverpool have decided not to loan out Bobby Clark. The 18-year-old has been linked with a move away late in the window - something that was supposed to happen earlier in the season.

Clark was on the verge of joining Derby County back in the summer but, per the Derby Telegraph, the Reds decided at the last minute to keep him around. Jurgen Klopp was at the centre of that, wanting the midfielder in his squad.

Injuries kept Clark out of the team, however, and he's only just started getting minutes. That led to talk that Liverpool could loan him out as teams lined up to get the teenager, per the Liverpool Echo.

And while Pearce confirms there is indeed interest, the Reds have once again changed their minds and will keep Clark in the first-team squad.

"Bobby Clark going nowhere today," Pearce wrote on X. "Young midfielder now regarded as important part of Liverpool's first-team staff. "Made four senior appearances in January. Lots of loan interest but not available."

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Liverpool are competing in four competitions right now, so keeping options around does make sense. It remains to be seen how much football Clark could play, though, as the squad isn't exactly short on midfielders.

Harvey Elliott is struggling to start games, let alone a player as inexperienced as Clark. 19-year-old James McConnell started against Norwich City, too, and provided an assist.

So we'll have to wait and see what the plan is here but it's clear that Liverpool - and Klopp - rate Clark very highly. He's impressed ever since arriving from Newcastle United in 2021.

The future is bright - and that future could be rapidly approaching at Anfield.