Fulham set to swoop for £15M-rated Welsh International – reports
Cardiff, Wales. 5th June 2021. Harry Wilson of Wales in action Wales v Albania friendly at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 5th June 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Fulham are now leading the race for Liverpool and Wales international Harry Wilson according to reports.
The Cottagers, who were relegated last term, are plotting an instant return to the top flight and would be recruiting an individual possessing vast and crucial know-how at this level.
Wilson has made his mark on the division in recent years, impressing on loan with Hull City, Derby County and most recently, Cardiff City, where he scored seven times and provided 12 assists the season prior.
He has also spent time with Bournemouth, and while the Cherries’ relegation has led Wilson to believe he was given a ‘rough deal’, it is understood that the best offer will prompt Liverpool to part ways with the 24-year old.
A report from Neil Jones from Goal, says that it is almost certain that Wilson will leave and Fulham could be the best exit for him.
It is yet to be seen if Fulham are prepared to meet the Merseyside club’s £15M valuation of the playmaker, although agreeing on personal terms does not appear to be an issue.
Liverpool are aware that Fulham have spent similar fees on gifted forwards in the past, such as Anthony Knockaert, Ivan Cavaliero, and Bobby Decordova-Reid in an attempt to gain promotion from the second tier, and a player of Wilson’s pedigree would represent a major coup for Marco Silva’s side ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Fulham will face fierce competition for Wilson, though, with West London rivals Brentford understood to be keeping tabs as they look to implement experience into the side.
Cardiff were said to have lodged interest in bringing the talented winger back to the Welsh Capital, however, it appears they have been priced out of a move.
Portuguese giants Benfica had also reportedly enquired about a potential loan move, but after a series of temporary spells away from Anfield, Liverpool now believe the time is right to move Wilson on permanently.
Wilson himself has expressed his desire to find a permanent home, be that with the club he received his footballing education from or elsewhere. Back in April, Wilson told Sgorio: “I believe my senior career has been elsewhere so far.
“I’m 150, 200 appearances deep now and only a couple have been at Liverpool. The club will always be close to my heart, but if it means moving away to further my career then so be it.”
He first joined Liverpool at the age of eight and turned heads with the academy, although he has only made two senior appearances for the Reds after debuting in January 2016.
Wilson has two years left on his current deal and despite joining up with the squad in Austria for the club’s pre-season training camp, it looks a certainty that he will leave the club in his quest for regular minutes.
Last year, a £12M bid from Burnley was turned down, but Liverpool believe that they could now part ways with the North Walian for a higher fee after yet more progression in South Wales.
In order to raise funds and stake a fresh title bid next time out, Jurgen Klopp is constructing a mass exodus, with the likes of Sheyi Ojo, Marko Grujic, Xherdan Shaqiri said to be nearing the exit door.
Welsh Internationals Ben Woodburn and Neco Williams, the latter of whom appeared at EURO 2020 alongside Wilson, are also linked with a move elsewhere.
