Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Harvey Elliott from Fulham, beating clubs like Real Madrid on their way to securing the youngster’s signature.
According to The Mirror, Liverpool are poised to win the race to sign Harvey Elliott. The Fulham youngster has been one of the names on the rumour mill since the club’s relegation, with Real Madrid, PSG and even Barcelona linked with a move for the star. But, it seems the Reds have beaten others to the deal.
Harvey Elliott, Premier League 18/19.
2 appearances aged 16yo. pic.twitter.com/uoKynaH0RA
— ? The Red Debate ? (@TheRedDebate) July 2, 2019
Fulham were aware that Elliott’s refusal to sign a new deal had put him firmly on the radar of Barcelona and Real Madrid, who could land the star for a measly compensation fee. But, the Londoners were silently confident of no Premier League team approaching him as his Premier League debut in the 2018-19 season had ensured an English club would have to pay in millions as compensation to sign the forward.
With Barcelona and Real Madrid unlikely to award first-team football anytime soon to Elliott, Fulham seemed like the best destination for the near future for the 16-year-old. But, Liverpool’s entry has rocked Fulham’s boat.
Liverpool seemed to have made it a point in the current transfer window to recruit young stars with some first-team experience and high potential to add to their squad. The first step was the signing of Sepp van den Berg, who has a profile quite similar to his compatriot Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool have no plans to send 16 year old Harvey Elliott to the youth academy once he is signed from Fulham. Instead Elliott will be integrated into Jürgen Klopp’s first-team during pre-season. (Via @LivEchoLFC) #Liverpoolfc pic.twitter.com/zhu7ChH1lk
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) July 9, 2019
Harvey Elliott though, could solve many issues. Jurgen Klopp has been looking to add more quality and depth in his attack for the coming season after falling short of their maiden Premier League triumph in 2018-19. While the Reds continue to be linked with Nicolas Pepe, it is unlikely that a player of that calibre will settle for a squad role at this point of his career.
Also, Liverpool would not be able to justify spending upwards of £50 million on a squad player. Elliott can be that player for Klopp. The 16-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest emerging talents within England and could form a part of the new second-choice trio alongside Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, especially after Daniel Sturridge’s departure.
Nevertheless, even if Klopp ends up signing another attacker in the current transfer window, Elliott could be sure of getting some first-team action at Anfield, which is what is likely to have made him choose the Champions League winners over Real Madrid and others.