Just before the takeover went through in 2021, Newcastle United lost one of their brightest academy prospects.
The Magpies were in a very different place, with Mike Ashley sucking every ounce of ambition out of Newcastle United. His presence had an impact on everything associated with the club, from the first-team to the fans.
The final stages of his ownership at St James’ Park were agonisingly desperate, made all the more infuriating due to PIF’s failed takeover the year before.
Eventually they did get a deal done in October 2021, and Newcastle United has been transformed ever since. Every department is different, one of which is the academy. It has renewed focus and investment, with talented youngsters being given a clear path towards a competitive first-team.
The same could not be said before the takeover, and it resulted in Bobby Clark leaving.
Bobby Clark left Newcastle for Liverpool in 2021
Bobby Clark, who is the son of Lee Clark, left the Newcastle United academy in the summer of 2021 to sign for Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp convinced Clark to move to Liverpool, with Lee Clark admitting that his son was simply not enjoying his football at Newcastle. It was time for a change, and that change took him to Anfield.
It has proven to be a good decision, with the midfielder getting opportunities to play for the first-team. He even appeared in the 2024 Carabao Cup final, as Klopp’s youthful Reds beat Chelsea to secure what would be the final trophy of the German’s tenure on Merseyside.
Clark made 12 senior appearances for Liverpool last season, but the 19-year-old’s future is now up in the air following the arrival of Arne Slot.
How much Liverpool want for Bobby Clark
According to the Athletic, Liverpool are yet to make a decision about Clark’s future at Anfield.
They report that he is valued at £12million, and have rejected a £6million offer from Red Bull Salzburg. They are managed by Pep Lijnders, who was Klopp’s assistant manager at Liverpool.
The Athletic add that a loan exit is more likely for Clark, who has been struggling with a back injury.
Lee Clark would love to see his son back at Newcastle
While the most likely outcome is that Clark will be loaned out, it is a surprise to see that £12million would be enough to get him away from Liverpool. I assumed they would value him much higher, such is his potential.
It is potential that Toon fans would love to see Clark achieve at St James’ Park, and his dad Lee has even admitted that his dream is for Bobby to return to Newcastle United.
That is not going to happen this summer, but it will be interesting to follow the teenager’s progress – whether Liverpool sell him or loan him out.
But as Clark continues to progress, his development will serve as a reminder of what Newcastle were before Mike Ashley’s departure.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
