Liverpool have been wanting Harvey Elliott off the books for a while, and they can pull one over on a Premier League rival if they go down the swap deal route.
The basic idea is that Elliott can be used to sign Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig. The German outfit have long admired the Liverpool forward, and there’s a good chance they could be convinced into a ‘player + cash’ deal.
But it’s not just the swap itself that makes this is a genius idea — it’s that this approach would see Liverpool dodge a rather hefty charge from Elliott’s old club.
Liverpool keep Arne Slot, Xabi Alonso goes to Chelsea. How would you react? 😄😡
Harvey Elliott for Yan Diomande means no sell-on fee for Fulham
Fulham won’t have forgotten about the 20% sell-on clause they quite wisely made a requirement for Liverpool to get the move over the line.
It had the London side in line for a significant windfall this summer, but going down the swap route negates that charge.
Liverpool could maximise Elliott’s value, save a bit of cash, and sign a youngster tipped to be one of the best in Europe in a few years.
It’s strange, because swap deals really aren’t as common as one might think, and there are reasons why it can be an overcomplicated method of doing business. In a scenario like this, though, it would be hugely beneficial.
Elliott is no £100 million player, but he should still go for somewhere in the £30-£40 million range. That would still give Liverpool enough of a saving to invest in squad depth without strengthening a Premier League rival’s financial position.
Elliott has to leave Liverpool
The 23-year-old still has his whole career ahead of him and is a well-liked figure at Anfield, but moving on is the right choice.
One of Liverpool’s biggest issues this season has been the lack of physical bite and explosiveness. Few players have looked like they are at the necessary level in that department.
Elliott, for all his technical gifts, is as extreme an example of what Liverpool don’t want as you can find. Not big enough to play in the midfield three, not fast enough to play on the wing, and not good enough to knock Florian Wirtz off his perch.
Ekitike vs Pedro! 🥊 Who has had the best debut season at their new clubs?
He will be back on Merseyside this summer, but not for long.
It’s time to move on from Elliott, and if it also gives the Reds a chance to sign Yan Diomande and get good value, I’m in.
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