Liverpool and Wales star Ben Woodburn has endured a frustrating 12 months.
This time last year there was a sense of excitement around him, a buzz about what this teenager could achieve in the game. He had already lit up the international scene with a winner against Austria in a World Cup qualifier in 2017. He had also set tongues wagging with a couple of cameos for the Reds in cup competitions the same year and he was shortlisted for the 2018 Golden Boy award.
A loan move to Sheffield United last summer was supposed to be the springboard from which he could kick on his career.
Instead, his time at Bramall Lane was plagued by injury and inconsistency and he ultimately returned to Melwood early.
He didn't feature for Jurgen Klopp's first team last season and his last outing came for Wales in their Wrexham friendly against Trinidad and Tobago in March, in which he scored a stoppage-time winner.
Liverpool have an army of talented fringe players and starlets on their books who are all looking for opportunities to impress their manager. They also face the prospect of uncertain futures.
The Reds are dining at a different table these days, with their Champions League-winning efforts meaning they can attract the best players from around the world.
As such the likes of Woodburn, Harry Wilson and players such as Ryan Kent all face a dilemma; stick around, wait for a chance at Anfield or seek pastures new on a temporary basis to get much-needed game-time in which to develop?
According to Goal , Woodburn will be sent out on loan next season - and that should be of interest to Steve Cooper and Swansea City .
The new man in charge worked with the youngster during his time at Liverpool's academy.
Cooper, who spoke to the press for the first time this week, revealed that his recruitment plans were already under way and that "creative" transfers would the order of the day for Swansea.
"There will hopefully be some additions, we need to be creative and look at the loan market and do deals that are right for the club, and if we do that there’s no reason why we cant kick on," he said.
"I think there’s some real good foundations in place in terms of the performance levels, the profile of players currently at the club, which allows us to build.
"There’s no doubt that the way the club play, we have to continue. Whatever the scenario, winning or losing, first five minutes or last five minutes. That is up and running, and the player befit that model, so we just need to keep that. There will be some tactical changes, but for me it’s about evolving rather than change. We’ve got some good plans in place and there’s nothing to stop us from delivering when it counts."
He admitted that he will use his contacts with previous clubs and players he has worked with in the past to his advantage.
"It’s already started truth be told," he said .
"That’s been a little bit both ways which is quite rewarding really. I’ll be approaching certain clubs about certain players but there’s already been mentions of players who would like to work together again which is great. It's easier said than done of course. We can't just say 'we'll have him'. It's got to be right for the club.
"But there’s no doubt myself and Mike Marsh, plus the other contacts like Leon (Britton) and everybody else, will be building on contacts with other clubs. Hopefully that will give us a good start on what we may need to bring in."
It all sounds promising but in practice, as Cooper admits, it is more difficult.
You would expect the Championship to be his destination and Swansea certainly need a wide forward following the departure of Daniel James to Manchester United.
There are financial implications, too. A loan fee and wages would need to be factored in - Swansea aren't exactly flush with cash as their restructuring continues apace following Premier League releagtion.
There is an element of putting two and two together here, granted, but smart loans are what Cooper and Mike Marsh are looking at and Woodburn would indeed be a smart move.
His international boss, Ryan Giggs, has backed him to have a big season next term, hinting that game-time is critical to his development. He said: "Last camp I was delighted for him (Woodburn). He's had a tough time bursting on the scene and his loan spell didn't quite go to plan, which can happen.
"You can go on and on with players who have gone out on loan and that first loan spell doesn't quite happen for them, for whatever reason.
"But Ben is one for next year I'm looking to push for that starting place, he can play anywhere across that front three, play number 10 and he's a goalscorer.
"In training he scores goals that no other player can score, the power in his shots, and now he needs to take that into games."
Competition would be fierce for his signature, but it would be a real statement of intent from the new man to snag such a talent as Woodburn.
