- Ovie Ejaria signs for Sunderland until the end of the season
- Attacking midfielder one of many Reds to make temporary move to the Championship
- Ben Woodburn had been tipped to join ex-Wales manager Chris Coleman at the club
- SEE MORE: Exciting Liverpool youngster pens first professional contract
Deadline day proved to be rather one-sided at Liverpool with a host of U23s starlets leaving on loan in search of regular first team football.
Ovie Ejaria was among those to depart as he signed with Championship side Sunderland on a temporary deal for the rest of the season, as reported by Liverpool’s official club website.
The attacking midfielder has impressed for Neil Critchley’s side this campaign, thriving in his no.10 role and showcasing the flair that has fuelled his bright reputation on Merseyside.
Ejaria, like many of his fellow U23s, finds himself well-equipped for his transition to a both more competitive and demanding environment.
His latest progressive stride promises to be a challenge as he prepares to help 23rd-placed Sunderland avoid relegation.
📰 Welcome to #SAFC, @EJARIA. The midfielder has signed on loan from @LFC until the end of the campaign.
Full story… 👇https://t.co/GmvKRyyL4C
— Sunderland AFC 🔴⚪ (@SunderlandAFC) January 31, 2018
The 20-year-old was handed his senior debut for the club in September 2016 and has since made seven more appearances, none of which, however, have come this season.
Ejaria has been a key figure in helping Liverpool’s U23s surge to the top of the Premier League 2 this term, recently producing a stunning solo goal to snatch a late win over Derby County and increase the gap between the Reds and second-placed Leicester.
Sunderland have undoubted talent at their disposal and a young prospect with proven ability to conjure a moment of individual magic.
With Chris Coleman at the helm, Ejaria will rightly be granted the freedom to continue expressing himself as well as being given an invaluable lesson in tactical discipline and decision-making.
Ben Woodburn had been set to team up with former Wales manager Coleman, only for Jurgen Klopp to decide on keeping the teenager as a useful squad option during the second half of the season.