Liverpool transfers: Red Bull Salzburg and Pep Lijnders want cup-winning star

Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders took charge of Red Bull Salzburg this summer, and he’s looking to snap up one of his former players almost immediately.

Youngster Bobby Clark was a pleasant surprise for most Liverpool fans last season as he made stunning progress, appearing 12 times and even notching a goal against Sparta Prague in the Europa League.

Most notably however was Clark’s display in the Reds’ League Cup victory over Chelsea, when he played an important role from the bench.

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The Athletic’s James Pearce has reported that the Austrian side have had a bid of around £8.2m rejected by Liverpool, who place greater value in Clark given his potential and the market value of similar players in terms of age and talent. 

Clark himself appears to have confirmed that he won’t be at Anfield much longer, posting a not-particularly cryptic monochrome image of himself on social media.

It should be pointed out he has a habit of posting images in black & white, although given the timing of this latest post, understandable conclusions have been drawn.

Having missed Liverpool’s recent pre-season tour of America with a back problem, loan offers for Clark have been coming from a number of clubs in the Championship, but Lijnders and Salzburg’s persistent interest on a permanent deal has led to it being considered.

Clark squeezed out of Liverpool midfield

Salzburg are having a good start to life under Lijnders, thrashing opponents Blau-Weiß Linz 5-1 on Saturday afternoon. Clark would be joining a coaching staff he knows well, not just with Lijnders but also Vitor Matos, who is now assistant manager over in Austria.

Something Clark would be assured of over in Austria is playing time, given that by our estimate he’d be at least seventh or eighth in the midfield pecking order, and this is before you consider the potential signing of Martin Zubimendi. Whilst a loan for Clark is preferable, it’s also true that this might be Liverpool’s best chance to make a profit on him.