OXFORD United have signed Liverpool youngster Max Woltman for an undisclosed fee.
The 19-year-old forward, who turns 20 later this month, trained with the U’s this summer and was a late substitute during the pre-season win against Swansea City.
United head coach Liam Manning said earlier this week that the club and Liverpool were in ongoing talks over Woltman.
READ AGAIN: Oxford United in talks with Liverpool over young forward
After signing for the U’s, the teenage attacker said: “Coming from Liverpool, which has a massive history, when you come to Oxford, it’s also a massive club as well with a big fanbase and a lot of cracking players in the side.
“It’s not a step back, it’s a big step forward for me and I’m really looking forward to it.
“Hopefully I’ll go score a few goals and help the team, and go for promotion.
“I think they deserve to be at a higher level and the fans know that.
“They want to play at the highest level they possibly can because this team can definitely do it.”
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Asked where he sees himself playing his best football, Woltman said: “Just behind the striker as a 10, I think that’s where you can link the game and get in the box, and score goals – that’s where I prefer playing.
“I’m a good finisher, I’m good on the ball, I’m silky and like to combine play.”
Manning added: “We had a real honest chat with Max, he obviously came in and spent the week with us so we got to see him up close.
“He’s a terrific personality and character, which you take for granted a little bit.
“We’ve seen his talent, we’ve seen his qualities.
“What we’re trying to work as hard as we can to do is make sure that we produce a team capable in the short-term but also do some work for the medium and long-term as well.
“With Max, we had that chat and I think he’s quite clear he’s coming in to compete and fight against some slightly more experienced players.
“At the same point, I wouldn’t rule out that if he’s doing better than them, he’ll play and it’s as simple as that.”
Woltman’s Reds debut came in December 2021, when he replaced Takumi Minamino in stoppage time as Liverpool beat AC Milan at the San Siro in a Champions League group stage clash.
He then played the first 45 minutes at Anfield as Liverpool beat Shrewsbury Town 4-1 in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup last January.
Woltman joined Doncaster Rovers in Sky Bet League Two last season, making 14 appearances before being recalled by his parent club in January.
He becomes the eighth new signing at United this summer.
Jordan Thorniley, Josh McEachran, Ruben Rodrigues and Mark Harris have all joined on permanent deals, while James Beadle, Fin Stevens and Stanley Mills have arrived on loan.
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Formerly the politics reporter for the Oxford Mail, Liam now covers all things Oxford United.
Liam attends the U’s home and away, as well as covering other big sports stories across the county.
His Oxford United newsletter is released every Saturday morning at 6am.