Julian Ward’s appointment at Liverpool was supposed to herald a continuation of Michael Edwards’ excellent work. Having worked as his understudy, there were few better candidates for the role.

In many ways Ward has indeed carried on Edwards’ legacy, but there have also been some key differences. Perhaps most notably, the loan market has been utilized a lot more than it was under the old regime.

It should perhaps come as no surprise, with Ward previously enjoying the title of loan pathways manager. But Liverpool has sent out a plethora of young players on various loan spells during what will end up as a short tenure in charge of the club, with Jörg Schmadtke earmarked to take his place this summer. Many of those moves have reaped welcome rewards, with the club’s young stars catching the eye at various levels.

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One of the most successful loan spells has been that of Leighton Clarkson. The academy graduate endured a difficult spell on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season, but this season he moved to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership and has thrived.

Last night against St. Mirren, Clarkson scored his sixth goal of the season from midfield. And with nine assists also to his name in 37 games, he has proven to be an astute signing for Aberdeen, helping them push for a European place next season.

Only 21 years old, it is unclear whether Clarkson has a future at Liverpool. Even with all the midfield departures, there are still plenty of others ahead of him in the pecking order who may prove more capable of making the step up.

However, he could still be handy for Liverpool and Schmadtke in the transfer market. His good form has undoubtedly attracted interest, especially considering Aberdeen has become renowned for producing top level talent for Europe’s top five leagues recently.

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In the last few years alone, Aberdeen has developed players like Scott McKenna — currently catching the eye at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League — Lewis Ferguson, who has been a revelation at Bologna in Serie A, and of course Liverpool’s very own Calvin Ramsay.

Clarkson looks like the next one off the production line, but this time it’s Liverpool who will stand to profit.

His market value has undoubtedly risen since his unsuccessful loan spell at Blackburn last summer. That’s all thanks to the clever maneuvering of Ward, who was able to find the right solution to revive Clarkson’s career.

Football Insider has already reported that both Rangers and Celtic would be interested in Clarkson, and the site also mentions Championship interest as well. Meanwhile, Aberdeen would be keen on taking him back.

If Liverpool can create a bidding war, FSG could stand to gain millions from a player who was looking destined for an eventual free transfer away, or else only a minimal sale. That would be good news for Schmadtke, as he looks to guide the summer rebuild.

And in this climate and market for Liverpool that’s going to be hugely important income considering every penny counts for the Reds at the moment. Schmadtke is facing a tough task, with a lot of work to do and a Europa League budget to do it with, but he might just have got a parting gift from predecessor Ward.

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