Liverpool will offer Ben Woodburn a new long-term contract when he turns 18 next month, according to The Guardian.
What’s the word?
The forward has been part of the Reds’ academy since 2007, but it is only in the last year that he has caught the eye of the wider football community.
The teenager made his first-team debut last season and ended up playing in five Premier League games.
Over the past week, Woodburn has made headlines for shining on the international stage with Wales.
On his debut off the bench, the youngster scored the one and only goal against Austria to keep the nation’s hopes of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup alive.
He also made a cameo appearance against Moldova on Tuesday night and ended up providing the assist for Hal Robson-Kanu’s goal.
As a reward for his progress, The Guardian reports that Liverpool will hand Woodburn a five-year contract on his 18th birthday.
The club are waiting until the youngster’s birthday on October 15 as he will then be eligible to sign long-term deals.
Do Liverpool need to be careful?
Woodburn’s talent should not be ignored, but there is a danger of overhyping the promising forward.
The youngster has made a mark for club and country, but if he is thrown into the deep end too often, his progress could be halted.
At the moment, Liverpool have been handling the teenager in the right way by giving him chances at first-team level, but not using him regularly.
It is important for Woodburn to continue developing in the academy, and at least he will know that the club are eyeing him as one for the future.