Reports indicate that Real Salt Lake could be about to finalize a loan deal for a young, American striker from Liverpool’s U-23 team.
ESPNFC is reporting that Brooks Lennon may be set for a return to Rio Tinto in the next few days. Currently a part of the Liverpool Academy setup, he played in the RSL Academy a few years back before getting noticed and picked by Liverpool.
At only 19, the striker has impressed at Anfield, but yet to get a call into the first team. With only three true forwards on the roster, Real Salt Lake may be wise to bring in the talented attacker.
The report claims the MLS club attempted a full transfer first, which was denied. However, a permanent move would have been surprising to see Liverpool sale the young forward so early in his time in England.
Now on RSL’s part, they may have wanted to sign Lennon to a full senior contract while at their academy before he opted to move abroad. However, a year long loan, seems likely for 2017 and would benefit the player – in the right scenario.
A smart move for Lennon
Typically, for young players around the world, the idea is to move to Europe. But if the player isn’t in the right system or getting the chance to move into the first team, their progression could get stunted.
While the Liverpool academy is obviously a great learning experience for Brooks, nothing beats first team senior football. He would need to go out on loan eventually anyway, so why not return to a club that he is familiar with and back in his home country.
If he works out, and his talent produces what RSL believes he can, then the offer and money will follow. Additionally, getting time with RSL’s side will help get him on Bruce Arena’s radar for senior national team quicker.
Speaking on the two clubs, Brooks stated, “There is a lot of similarities and a lot of differences. Similarities-wise, the Liverpool academy and the Real Salt Lake academy are similar because the players are very skillful. There was a lot of skill on my old team and it prepared me really well for Liverpool.”
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If Lennon can get regular first team action at RSL, then the loan is a smart move all around. However, if he ends up buried in their depth chart behind Yura Movsisyan and Joao Plata the entire season, then he is better off staying with the Liverpool U23s.
For the USMNT and MLS fan, the hope is that the former is true and he is introduced to the wider soccer fan base in American in 2017. Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.