Leighton Clarkson’s time at Aberdeen has been a sleeper hit, with the 21-year-old Liverpool midfielder enjoying a regular starting role and ending the campaign with six goals and nine assists from 38 appearances. Despite a challenging run after the World Cup, Clarkson managed to bounce back in terrific fashion, being adjusted to a deep-sitting midfield role by Barry Robson and excelling at creating chances and dictating the attacking play. His main strength has come when he has been given the freedom to create chances running from a deep position in the middle of the park, as well as his quality at set-pieces, demonstrated by his free-kick against St Mirren which helped seal European football. However, there are still questions over his ability to dictate a game when the midfield is looking overrun, particularly in clashes against Celtic and Rangers.
The speculation over a move to Celtic or Rangers seemed to fade pretty quickly, and it hasn’t really reared its head since. A recent report suggesting interest from Reading felt bizarre yet expected, as it was anticipated teams across England in the lower leagues would be interested in bringing him back south of the border. The latest we have heard is that a deal is in place to return to Aberdeen, but it’s all down to Clarkson now to make what is arguably the biggest decision of his career. He needs to spend his weeks off thinking long and hard about if he is going to continue to build on his stunning campaign with Aberdeen, or gamble on what Liverpool decide his future should be.
Given that Clarkson will be 22 in October and it seems unlikely he’ll stay at Liverpool, it is clear that he has been delighted with his decision to move to Scotland and play football for a Premiership club. He has put his name and his talents out there for all to see this season and he may be desperate to keep on that trajectory. The only thing that is difficult for him is leaving behind a club like Liverpool who have an astonishing attraction about them. I can’t see an immediate decision given we are just days removed from the end of the seasons in England and Scotland, as well as the maturity he will have to conjure up to make the massive call. But with how well he has performed with the Dons and how much he has enjoyed his frequent appearances, there may well be a desire to step back out on the Pittodrie pitch next season.