Liverpool Looking To Lock Down Academy Prospect Glatzel With Professional Contract

The Reds continue to work on developing tomorrow’s stars.

Bobby Duncan may have been getting more of the article column space by virtue of his eye-catching performances, his history with Manchester City and his connection to Steven Gerrard, but his partner-in-crime in the forward line may just turn out to be an equally exciting prospect for Liverpool Football Club.

The Echo have indicated that the club are looking to offer Paul Glatzel his first professional contract as early as next week. It would be a timely investment on the part of the club and a well-earned reward for the young striker, who is still just shy of his 18th birthday. Liverpool born, with German parents, Glatzel has notched 22 goals this season, forming quite the deadly combination alongside Duncan, who himself has tallied 21 goals.

Glatzel has had exposure to high-level youth football through a number of avenues. Thanks to his background, he has played for Germany as a U15 and U16 player, but has also been in the England youth setup. Indicative of the faith placed in him by Academy leadership, Glatzel has also been serving as the U18 team captain.

U18 manager Barry Lewtas has unsurprisingly been quite excited about Glatzel and his striking partnership with Duncan.

“He’s a good finisher, he scores goals, plays between the goal frame, so normally if you put the ball in there he’s there to score,” Lewtas noted.

“We’re working hard with him on his link-up play and bringing others in and combining, he can play in the pockets. At the moment, he’s still developing.”

With Dominic Solanke’s departure and other strikers likely to depart over the summer, the Academy talent must know that a pathway to the first team remains a possibility, and Glatzel and Duncan will be looking to seize their opportunity in the new year.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com