Jurgen Klopp Cup Hero has Returned to English Football after £10m Liverpool Exit | OneFootball

Derby County Secure Loan Deal for Bobby Clark

Derby County have added another former Liverpool player to their ranks, confirming the season-long loan signing of midfielder Bobby Clark from RB Salzburg. The 20-year-old, who once lifted the Carabao Cup under Jurgen Klopp in 2024, returns to English football seeking regular first-team opportunities in the Championship.

Familiar Liverpool Links in Derby’s Summer Business

John Eustace’s side have been active in the market, attracting several players with Anfield connections. Left-back Owen Beck has arrived on loan after an impressive season with Blackburn Rovers, where Eustace also worked. Striker Rhian Brewster has joined on a free transfer from Sheffield United, aiming to revitalise his career after persistent hamstring injuries stalled his progress.

Clark now becomes the latest addition, offering creativity and energy in midfield. His move comes after a challenging spell in Austria, where he joined RB Salzburg for £10 million last summer. Despite the promise of the transfer, his time there did not unfold as planned.

Photo: IMAGO

Bobby Clark’s Journey from Liverpool to Derby

Clark made his Liverpool debut as a substitute in the remarkable 9-0 victory over Bournemouth in August 2022. Over the next three seasons, he featured 14 times in senior competition, scored once against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, and was part of Klopp’s 2024 Carabao Cup-winning squad.

However, after assistant coach Pep Lijnders departed RB Salzburg, Clark found himself out of favour. Opportunities became scarce, and he dropped out of matchday squads entirely towards the end of the campaign. The desire for consistent football led him back to England and into Derby County’s plans.

Clark’s Determination to Make an Impact

Speaking to RamsTV, Clark expressed his motivation for the move. “Once I found out Derby were interested, I had a chance to speak with the manager and the staff. With his goals and the way he is aligned with me, it seemed right,” he said.

“I think he [manager John Eustace] knows that I’m at a point where I want to prove people wrong, and I’m hungry to play football again, especially being back in the UK. It’s a great league and I just want to kick on here.”

Derby County supporters will hope Clark’s arrival adds quality and drive to their Championship campaign. For Liverpool fans, it offers another reason to keep a close eye on events at Pride Park, where one of their former prospects is ready to reignite his career.