Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Ben Woodburn confirms next move after Liverpool exit and Hearts loan as he could become defender

Attacking midfielder Ben Woodburn has agreed his next transfer after time at Liverpool and loan spell with Hearts which could see him become a full-back.

The Welsh international emerged as a top talent at Liverpool but left the Merseyside club earlier this summer following 11 senior appearances. He had a loan stint at Tynecastle last season and appeared 30 times with three goals and two assists for Hearts but since then, Woodburn has been on trial at English Championship club Preston North End.

He's now penned a one-year deal with the option of another 12 months if a successful year is had at Deepdale. At the weekend, the 22-year-old netted in a 3-0 friendly win over Bamber Bridge. It's helped him earn a deal but boss Ryan Lowe has insisted he could go to full-back: "He can play in numerous positions. He can play as a ten, just off the striker, or in any of the eight positions, whether it be left or right.

READ MORE: Hearts, Hibs and FC Edinburgh discover SPFL Trust Trophy round one and two opponents

“He’s probably even capable of playing right wing back. So he’s someone who can play a few positions which is always nice, but ultimately he’s an attack-minded player who we feel can create and score goals.”

Woodburn said of the move: I’m very excited for the deal to be done. Obviously I’ve been on trial for a week now and things have gone pretty well, so I’m buzzing to get started as a Preston player.

Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

“Obviously when I got called and told I could come and train, I was buzzing. I wanted to show the gaffer what I could do, luckily I’ve earned a contract out of it."

READ NEXT:

- Hearts boss Robbie Neilson explains friendship with Hibs gaffer Lee Johnson as he fires warning

- Hearts star Cammy Devlin aims for Australia World Cup spot and hopes European football can help bid

- Hearts star Liam Boyce 'wanted' by Aberdeen and Ipswich as duo eye transfer raid on Jambos

- Jorge Grant 'agrees' Hearts transfer from Peterborough as Robbie Neilson continues recruitment drive

- Hearts hand nine academy talents first pro deals as Joe Savage opens up on talented teens

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.