Why Leeds United signing Harry Wilson from Liverpool would be a smart move
According to a report from Football Insider (h/t Yorkshire Post), Leeds United are considering making an attempt to sign Liverpool winger Harry Wilson, with the Reds open to selling him in a cut-price deal.
The 23-year-old Wilson is a product of the Liverpool youth academy. But he has never been able to carve out a place in the first-team, despite having made his debut back in 2017. Till date, he has had loan spells Crewe Alexandra (Aug 2015-Jan 2016), Hull City (Jan 2018-May 2018) and Derby County (2018/19).
Wilson signed for Bournemouth on loan last summer. Till date, he has made 27 appearances for the Cherries, bagging seven goals and setting up two more.
Leeds United need attacking reinforcements
For Leeds to be able to compete on a strong footing in the top-flight next term, strengthening the squad across all departments should be a must. The attacking department has been performing generally well this season. But reinforcements should be brought in once the transfer window is open, considering the number of forwards currently on loan at the club.
Indeed, Jack Harrison, who is their third-highest goalscorer and top assist-provider in the league this season, is on a temporary deal from Manchester City. Same goes for Ian Poveda, who is also on loan from City, while Helder Costa was brought in from Wolves on a similar arrangement. January arrival Jean-Kevin Augustin too was signed on loan from RB Leipzig.
All of them will return to their parent clubs once their loan deals run out at the end of the season. Hence, it is very important for Leeds to strengthen their attack with fresh blood, irrespective of their league status next season. And, Harry Wilson, to that end, would be a fine acquisition.
The 23-year-old has been in fine nick over the past couple of seasons. He had a fruitful loan spell at Hull City where he made 13 appearances in a six-month spell, producing a return of 7 goals and 4 assists. He followed it up with another fine season with Derby County, bagging 18 goals and 6 assists in 50 matches in 2018/19.
In the ongoing campaign, Wilson has been a bright spot for Bournemouth, with his tally of seven league goals only bettered by Callum Wilson. The winger has proven himself at both Championship and Premier League levels, gathering valuable experience at the same time. His signing would add more depth and quality to the Leeds attack.
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Verdict
Leeds United’s attack could be down to bare bones next season once the on-loan players such as Jack Harrison, Ian Poveda and Helder Costa return to their parent clubs. Hence, it is of paramount importance for Bielsa & co. to bolster their ranks come summer.
Having said that, Wilson would be a good signing for the Whites. The 23-year-old has been in good form since his loan stint at Hull City and would add some much-needed depth to the Whites’ attacking contingent.
