In what was one of the more eye-catching moves before the transfer window shut, Liam Boyce from Cliftonville in the Irish Premiership was snapped up by Bundesliga giants Werder Bremen.

From the streets of Belfast to one of the biggest clubs on the European stage, teenager Boyce has completed a transfer that has a few similarities to that of George Best signing for Manchester United back in 1961. Bremen - set to face Spurs in the Champions League - swooped after another German side Bundesliga Two side Greuther Furth failed to finalise a deal last week for the Northern Ireland under-23 international.

Boyce, 19, burst on to the Irish League scene last season as he scored 19 times, helping Cliftonville finish second in the league and qualify for the Europa League. He also picked up the football writer’s young player of the year award and goal of the season (SEE BELOW FOR LINK) in his first full year, catching the eye of several European giants along the way. Barcelona, AS Monaco, Espanyol all enquired about his abilty and he enjoyed trials at Celtic and Watford. But it was Bremen who finally won the race, and the talented teen is now preparing to swap his soda bread for sauerkraut.
Stephen Whelan, who represents Liam for New Era Global Sports Management, said: “It was my responsibility to ensure that Liam was given the best chance possible to make his dream move became a reality.

"We made the clubs aware of Liam’s ability and guaranteed that the right people were there to watch him play.

"The interest from Barcelona and Espanyol kicked it all off and when we knew that Werder Bremen were interested we got them to Belfast to watch Liam for themselves."
Stephen described Liam as being “over-the-moon” after sealing his move to Germany.
Werder Bremen have a reputation as a club who sign and help develop young talent (Germany’s World Cup star Mesut Ozil was their latest and most successful find), and Boyce has already been handed the number 9 shirt for the club’s under-23 team who compete in Bundesliga Three.
Boyce signed off from Cliftonville last week with a goal against north Belfast rivals Crusaders, as the Reds won 3-1.

Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor said: "Disappointed as we are to lose a player of Liam's calibre, we are delighted that he has been able to realise his dream of full-time football.
"We are pleased, too, that the terms of the transfer are good for Cliftonville FC and naturally wish Liam the very best of luck in his future career."

Link to goal of the season:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PO4PR4I5ObE