Liverpool's Wonderkid and youngest-ever goalscorer joins League Two club just two years after leaving Anfield

Liverpool's Youngest Goalscorer Seeks Revival in League Two

Just two years after leaving Anfield on a free transfer, Ben Woodburn, the club's youngest-ever goalscorer, has signed a two-year deal with League Two side Salford City.

Woodburn burst onto the scene in 2016, etching his name in Liverpool folklore. At just 17 years and 45 days old, he surpassed the legendary Michael Owen's record by scoring in an EFL Cup tie. This early promise was nurtured by Jurgen Klopp, who integrated Woodburn into the first team alongside academy graduates like Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajcetic, and Ben Doak.

However, consistent playing time remained elusive for Woodburn. Despite appearing in 11 games across his first two seasons, loan spells at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Blackpool, and Hearts followed.

In 2022, Liverpool released Woodburn. He signed for Preston North End in the Championship, initially impressing with a goal in his first season (38 appearances). While the club exercised the option to extend his contract, Woodburn's second season proved challenging. He found himself restricted to substitute appearances, starting just once in the league without scoring.

Released again this summer, Woodburn reunites with his former loan manager, Karl Robinson, now at the helm of Salford City. Robinson, a former Liverpool academy coach, had previously brought Woodburn on loan to Oxford in 2019.

Salford, whom Woodburn notably scored against in the Carabao Cup last year, presents a fresh start for the 24-year-old Welshman. He arrives hungry to contribute, stating his desire to "create chances and score goals" while hoping Salford's style will entertain the fans.

Woodburn's ambition aligns with Salford's aspirations. Having finished 20th in League Two last season, the club is aiming for a significant improvement. Woodburn believes they can achieve this, stating his hope to "get Salford back where they should be, near the top of the table."

This move marks a significant step down from the lofty heights Woodburn scaled at Anfield. However, it offers him a platform to reignite his career and recapture the promise that made him Liverpool's youngest-ever goalscorer.