Ben Woodburn is willing to move away from England to join Hearts upon the expiration of his Liverpool contract this summer.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who claim that the 22-year-old is ‘open’ to returning to Tynecastle next season.
The feeling is said to be mutual, as the Scottish club reportedly want to offer Woodburn a permanent contract.
As his contract is due to expire, Liverpool will receive no fee for their academy product.
What could have been for Woodburn
Hopefully Woodburn can go some way to realising his potential after leaving Liverpool. Joining The Reds aged eight, it was just nine years later that he made his debut under Jurgen Klopp.
A first-team debut in 2016 was followed by a first-team goal later in the year. That strike against Leeds United at The Kop end is something no one will be able to take away from Woodburn.
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It made him the clubs youngest ever goal-scorer aged 17 and 42 days. Almost six years later, it’s a record that still stands today.
Progress has been slow since then though, and all in all Woodburn leaves Liverpool having played just 11 times.
Several loan spells have come and gone with little success before he joined Hearts at the beginning of the campaign.
Etched into history at Anfield
Hearts has been a good move for Woodburn. He started well and has been in the first-team all season, helping them to a third-placed finish and a Scottish Cup final.
He hasn’t been one of the first names on the teamsheet by any means, but he has played 29 times for the Edinburgh side, scoring three goals.
According to the Liverpool Echo, Woodburn has showed off his versatility in the Scottish capital. The youngster has reportedly played across the front-line as well as in midfield.
There was some suggestion that his wage demands may scupper a move. But with both parties now looking to be on the same page, a move will hopefully happen.
If he can kick on from a solid season and help Hearts into Europe, there’s hope that he can still salvage a career at a good level.
For now, his Liverpool story is over though. It may not have ever quite happened for Woodburn at his boyhood club. But he leaves having etched his name into Liverpool history, and not many can say that. All the best for your future, Ben.