Former Liverpool winger Ranel Young has returned to England just five months after a shock transfer to Serbia, signing an 18-month deal with Bristol City.
Young turned down a new contract at Liverpool to join Serbian side FK Usce on a free transfer in the summer, but only made five appearances for the Prva Liga side.
After 162 minutes on the pitch in August and September, including an assist off the bench against Dinamo Jug, the 20-year-old faded out of the picture.
That saw him pursue opportunities back in the UK, and on Friday he was announced as the first signing of the January transfer window at Bristol City.
PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 9, 2025: Liverpool's Ranel Young arrives before the FA Cup 4th Round match between Plymouth Argyle FC and Liverpool FC at Home Park. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Young has penned an initial 18-month contract with the Championship side and will begin life with their U21s, which could see him debut against Swansea on January 13.
Bristol City technical director Brian Tinnion said of the move: “Ranel is a versatile player with a lot of talent, and we are excited for him to join our U21s setup.
“He adds quality and has a host of potential in the game.”
Though a natural right winger, Young is capable of playing across the forward line and found success as a striker in his final season at Liverpool.
He made the first-team bench on two occasions last term, with Arne Slot including him in the squad for the Carabao Cup win over Brighton in October and then the loss to Plymouth in the FA Cup in February.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Liverpool's Ranel Young celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Youth League game between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Bologna FC 1909 Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Young was one of seven youngsters released by Liverpool in the summer, with all but one of those – centre-back Lee Jonas – having found new clubs.
Goalkeepers Jakub Ojrzynski and Reece Trueman joined Orebro SK and Vauxhall Motors respectively, while defenders Louis Enahoro-Marcus (Leeds) and Harry Evers (Sheffield Wednesday) both found moves to the Football League.
Midfielders Dominic Corness completed a switch to Welsh side The New Saints and has already played 28 times at first-team level this season, registering six assists.