Liverpool have signed Paul Glatzel to a long-term, professional deal.
The 18-year-old bagged 28 goals in total last season and was top scorer in our U18 side’s run to FA Youth Cup glory.
He worked brilliantly in tandem with Bobby Duncan, but his former partner in crime kicked up a fuss during the summer and was sold to Fiorentina, after some shocking behaviour from his agent.
Perhaps with that in mind, Liverpool have secured Glatzel for years to come – although the teenager is currently injured and we won’t be seeing him in the first-team this season unless something very strange happens.
“It’s a great feeling obviously,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“I was disappointed to get my injury at the start of the season, but it’s a great feeling and it shows that the club has got faith in me. Now I can just focus on my rehab and get back on the pitch.
“I’ve been at the club for so long and I just want to keep going and see where it takes me. Hopefully I can crack on now and keep going. The contract makes it easier.
“Mentally, it’s good to be able to focus on the rehab and know that there’s people that have faith in me and they know I’ll come back from my injury stronger and I’ll be ready when I’m back on the pitch.”
Stylistically, Glatzel is a superb finisher who can either play on the shoulder of the defender or drop off and link up with midfielders.
He’s not always involved in games, but when he’s in the penalty area he comes alive.
When fit this season, he’ll hopefully be a starter for the U23s, assuming Rhian Brewster has progressed to the first-team bench.