At first glance, Harry Wilson and Ki-Jana Hoever do not appear to have much in common. But the pair are more alike than you would initially think.
It is no secret that Liverpool want to cash-in on Wilson, who recently returned from a loan spell with AFC Bournemouth and is since yet to make Jurgen Klopp’s senior squad on a single occasion. Yet price-tags are holding up a potential move.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Harry Wilson of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Manchester City and AFC Bournemouth at Etihad Stadium on July 15, 2020 in Manchester, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
As reported by Sky Sports, Burnley are closing in on a £15 million deal to sign the Wales international which could rise further with add-ons.
It is surprising that it has taken this long for a Premier League club to take a financial gamble on Wilson when you consider he is proven in the English top-flight having scored seven goals for Bournemouth last season.
Sporting director Michael Edwards may feel aggrieved that Liverpool are set to cash just £15m for the Welshman especially when you consider the fee the club were able to command a similar fee for Hoever.
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Hoever unlike Wilson, is yet to prove himself in the professional game and is still yet to make his PL debut. He is five years younger than Wilson but given his lack of involvement in Jurgen Klopp’s senior squad, Edwards pulled off a masterstroke to sell the 18-year-old defender to Wolves in a deal which could rise to £13.5 million.
According to The Mirror, Liverpool were set on holding out for £20 million for Wilson, but with the transfer deadline just three weeks away, the club may look to cut their losses short to raise funds following the recent signings of Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Jurgen Klopp Signs A Contract Extension and chats with Sporting Director Michael Edwards and Mike Gordon FSG President and Liverpool F.C owner at Melwood Training Ground on December 13, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Edwards a proven tough negotiator
Liverpool want to shift players but only on their terms. That is the right way to operate. After-all, Wilson excelled in the PL last season and is worth the fee requested.
Even if Edwards were to accept the £15m reported fee, it would still represent a win for Liverpool. When you put into perspective that Wilson’s fee could pay up to three-quarters of the Thiago deal then it is still extraordinary business for the Reds.
When it comes to transfers, Liverpool typically end up getting what they want. Even, in the midst of an ongoing pandemic and the current economic state, Edwards has still pulled off impressive deals for the likes of Hoever and Lovren.
The sale of Wilson for £15m would provide further vindication to Liverpool’s success with their sustained transfer approach in recent years.
That’s the business of football, and Liverpool have proven themselves formidable operators both on and off the pitch.
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