Baby Ben Kops big new deal
LIVERPOOL will give teenage sensation Ben Woodburn a huge pay rise on his 18th birthday. The Reds want to secure their rising star (left) – who shot to fame by reigniting Wales’ World Cup challenge – on a long-term deal to keep him at the club for at least the next six years. And talks have
already started, geared to giving Woodburn a full professional contract.
That could be worth around £25,000 a week when he turns 18 on October 15.
Liverpool have a wise policy which restricts 17-yearolds in the first year of a pro contract to a basic annual salary of £40,000 – designed to give them a better perspective on their careers.
Striker Woodburn signed a three-year deal last November with the first year capped at that level.
But Jurgen Klopp has always earmarked him as a major future talent.
He demonstrated his star quality for Wales by coming on to score the winning goal against Austria then bouncing off the bench to create a vital goal against Moldova.
Woodburn came through the Anfield academy after arriving as a seven-year-old.
He is likely to start on £25,000 next month but clearly has the potential to make himself a fortune in years to come. Boss Klopp earmarked Woodburn as a future star, saying: “Wow, what an exciting talent he is.
“The most important thing for us is the pathway to the first team. The players know that it’s not just about ability.
”It’s application and a willingness to keep learning.”