According to the Liverpool Echo, Blackburn Rovers’ 17-year-old goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom has joined Liverpool’s Under-18s side.
Blackburn Rovers’ youth academy goalkeeper Ben Winterbottom has joined Premier League giants Liverpool, it has been reported. The youngster has joined up with the club’s Under-18s side, who are currently managed by Barry Lewtas.
A report from Football Insider claims that Liverpool conjured up a £350,000 compensation fee to secure the signature of young Winterbottom, as payment for costs of bringing the 17-year-old through their academy.
Prior to joining, Winterbottom had been on trial with Liverpool, training with the club’s Under-18s side. The deal was completed in time for him to be in their matchday squad for a game against Everton at the weekend.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool Under-18s boss Lewtas praised the young goalkeeper, saying:
“Ben was available and with the injuries we’ve got, it’s about making sure we have enough cover. He’s a good boy and has settled in really well. He’s a positive character around the dressing room. He has trained well and will prove to be a good addition to the squad.”
After coming through the youth academy with Blackburn, Winterbottom joined up with the club’s Under-18s side at the start of the 2017/18 season. The young ‘keeper has gone on to play 24 games for the young side (Transfermarkt), earning his way into the Under-23s squad – but, he did not play for the Under-23s once.
Now, the 17-year-old has the chance to prove himself in the young sides at Anfield as he looks to take his career to the next level.
