Liverpool have made their intentions clear on young forward Bobby Duncan after reportedly rejecting an offer from Italian side Fiorentina.
The European transfer window is yet to close, and until then, Premier League clubs are vulnerable to losing some of their promising stars, senior and young players. However, Liverpool have no plans to do any business for one of their prospects, Bobby Duncan. According to Liverpool Echo, the Reds have rejected an offer from Fiorentina as they have no intention to sell the young forward.
Fiorentina had reportedly approached Liverpool’s academy director Alex Inglethorpe intending to take Duncan on a season-long loan deal with the option of a permanent transfer if the forward impresses. The fee to make his signing permanent was mooted at €1.8 million following the loan, but Liverpool have swiftly rejected the approach for the forward.
The Merseysiders see a big future for the teenager, with Duncan showing what he can offer in the future through his performances in the youth setup. His 25 goals last term for the Under-18 side has instilled Liverpool’s faith in the youngster. The Reds are intent on investing in promising youngsters to build a solid base for the future.
After Duncan’s impressive performances for the Under-18 side, the forward is thought to be a key member of Neil Critchley’s Under-23 team this season. Duncan did miss the opening Premier League 2 game against Southampton, but he is expected to be playing regularly for the side for the rest of the season.
While playing for the first-team remains a dream, the chance may not come sooner. Duncan impressed for the senior side during the pre-season, where he also got on the scoresheet against Tranmere Rovers. But, Jurgen Klopp does not feel the need to include him in his plans just yet.
There were reports earlier that Duncan could leave on loan, but there has been no indication so far from Liverpool that such a move could happen. His performances for the Under-18 side last season attracted the interest of Fiorentina as well as Danish club FC Nordsjaelland. Loan offers from both clubs were rejected as Liverpool are showing reluctance in allowing the forward to leave.
Liverpool, during the summer window, only signed two players, both teenagers. One was Harvey Elliot from Fulham, while the other was promising young Dutch defender Sepp van den Berg. Those signings are a clear indication of Liverpool’s intentions for the future involving young stars, and Duncan is thought to be a big part of those plans.
The player himself might have liked the idea of playing elsewhere on loan and gaining valuable first-team experience. There is further news expected on Duncan’s possible reply to Liverpool’s rejection of a loan offer.
However, as things stand, Liverpool are standing firm by their stance on the forward’s future. They believe his future lies at Merseyside for now, but things might change before the European deadline.
