Bobby Clark responds in only way he can after brutal Red Bull Salzburg decision

Bobby Clark is making a name for himself this season after a difficult start to life away from Liverpool, with the midfielder's efforts on loan at Derby earning him some recognition

Bobby Clark has enjoyed a fine season on loan at Derby County(Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool youngster Bobby Clark has bounced back in style after what was a brutal introduction to life away from Anfield.

The 21-year-old made a surprise exit from Liverpool in 2024 after a promising breakthrough season under Jurgen Klopp. The change in management, with Arne Slot taking over, saw the Reds cash in on the young midfielder though as he linked up with Pep Lijnders at Red Bull Salzburg.

Lijnders’ time in charge in Austria didn’t last long though, and Clark soon found himself out of favor. He made 25 appearances for Salzburg last season before he suffered the indignity of being dropped from the club’s squad for the Club World Cup last summer.

Clark made his frustrations clear, posting a picture of himself training alone accompanied by a shrugging emoji before he got his chance to prove a point back in England.

He joined Championship side Derby County last August, and has enjoyed a fine season as the Rams make a late push for the play-offs. Clark has made 43 appearances in all competitions, including 40 league games, scoring four and adding four assists in the process.

His performances have earned him some recognition, with Clark being nominated for the Championship’s young player of the season award.

Bobby Clark has been nominated for the Championship's young player of the season(Image: Getty Images)

The former Red is among four nominees, alongside Leicester’s Jordan James, Stoke’s Ashley Phillips and Sheffield United’s Sydie Peck. The winner will be announced at the EFL Awards, which take place on April 19.

Clark has proved to be a huge hit at Pride Park, with Derby boss John Eustace hoping he can turn the loan into a permanent deal.

"We'd love to sign him, of course we would, but let's just worry about this season now and let's keep doing our work with him and see him flourish,” Eustace said back in January

"If we could sign him, that'd be fantastic, and, if not, he's had a great season with us. Let's see where it takes us."

Clark though is under contract at Salzburg until 2029, having joined the club for $13 million from Liverpool nearly two years ago, which will make things more difficult for Derby.

“I think if we’re looking to build and we’re looking to sustain a really competitive Championship team, if we can sign as many players on loan as possible, that would be fantastic,” Eustace said last month when asked again about signing Clark permanently.

“Obviously, I know it’s going to be very expensive, but we want to bring in as many good players as possible to the football club, and I think we’ve got a really good competitive squad now.

“If we can keep as many of those players as possible, then next season it’ll be even stronger for us.”