LIVERPOOL STANCE ON WILSON COULD SPARK CARDIFF & SWANSEA BATTLE
LIVERPOOL have made a U-turn on deciding to sell Harry Wilson in a transfer twist which could massively boost the chances of him signing on loan for Cardiff City or Swansea City. Wilson enjoyed another steady season in the Championship last term, registering seven goals and 12 assists for the Bluebirds after joining in October, however all roads appeared to be pointing to him being sold this summer.
Wilson himself was determined to go back to Liverpool and prove to Jurgen Klopp he had what it takes to force his way into the first-team fold.
However, reports on Merseyside continued to suggest that Wilson would be part of a firesale used to drum up funds for Klopp to reinvest in the squad.
Now, though, it is claimed that Liverpool are “hesitant” to sell him, with another loan move in the offing.
The latest report claims that Swansea City boss Steve Cooper, who knows him well from his time coach in Liverpool’s youth system, is keen to bring him to the Liberty Stadium.
The SA1 outfit were keen to sign him last summer, but Cardiff swooped in at the last minute to nip him from under the Swans’ noses.
Cardiff have also made it known to Liverpool this summer that they would want the player back on loan next season, if that option was available.
However, it was largely considered in south Wales that a loan would not be possible, with supporters resigned to the seemingly inevitable prospect of the Welshman being sold for a sum somewhere north of £13m.
Now, though, this fresh stance has given both south Wales clubs the biggest boost yet that he could sign for them ahead of next term.
Cardiff desperately lack creativity within their squad; despite making three signings, there is a glaring dearth of guile and ingenuity.
Wilson provided that for the Bluebirds last season and if they were able to bring him back next term it would drastically enhance their chances of a promotion push, one would think.
As for the Swans, the seismic loss of Andre Ayew leaves a big hole in their squad.
But Wilson would assuage the departure of such a talented player and provide that real X-factor in the attacking third which could be the final piece of the puzzle in getting them over the line, having been so close the last two seasons.
These latest reports also have ramifications elsewhere, too.
It’s understood Portuguese giants Benfica made contact over potentially sealing a permanent transfer earlier in the summer, while Fulham and Brentford have also emerged as potential suitors.
Whether that trio would be open to a loan move or look elsewhere in light of this recent stance remains to be seen.
Wilson, 24, has made just two senior appearances for Liverpool, despite joining the club at the age of eight back in 2005.
His current contract has two years left to run. But his impressive loan stints at Cardiff, Bournemouth, Derby County and Hull City have all suggested he is capable of carving out a career for himself in the top flight.
Now, it seems, Liverpool might still want that to be at Anfield in the years to come - after one more loan spell away.