Leeds United have tried to secure the signing of Liverpool’s young Welsh international Harry Wilson on loan in the past, and they may now have the chance to sign him on a permanent deal.
Football Insider are reporting the 23-year old could be available this summer, and for much less than the £25million that Liverpool have asked in exchange for his services in the past.
At a time of financial uncertainty due to the coronavirus crisis, selling Wilson could help the Reds amass the funds they need to purchase Timo Werner, who is said to have a £52m release clause.
But from a Leeds perspective, how much of an upgrade would he provide compared to their existing options for the right wing?
The basic statistics alone make a strong case for Wilson’s abilities. He has scored seven goals for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season, where Helder Costa – Marcelo Bielsa’s first choice in the position – has just three Championship goals in 2019/20.
Indeed, while Costa bagged 10 in the league for Wolverhampton Wanderers back in 2016/17, he has only scored nine in total in the three seasons since.
And it’s not just the volume of goals which Wilson could provide, but he could add a different asset to Bielsa’s attacking arsenal too.
Do you know when Leeds last scored from a direct free-kick in the Championship? According to Football-Lineups it was way back on Boxing Day 2017, when Pablo Hernandez scored as the Whites came from behind to win 2-1 at Burton Albion.
Wilson has scored two free-kicks in the Premier League this season, and they happened to be against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. He also scored five in all competitions for Derby County in 2018/19, and also scored the winner for Wales away at the Republic Of Ireland with a free-kick in October 2018.
If Leeds are in the Premier League next season, they will inevitably find goals harder to come by, and they’re only the fourth top scorers in the Championship at present. Having Wilson’s ability in dead ball situations could be a hugely valuable asset to Bielsa.
On the creativity front, it may appear Wilson leaves something to be desired. He has yet to record an assist in the Premier League, though ( per WhoScored ) he picked up three for Hull City and four for Derby in the Championship.
But assist stats can be deceptive, as they rely upon the player receiving the chance converting it, and offer no insight into the actual quality of opportunities which are being set up.
Wilson has set up four Opta-defined clear-cut chances in the league this season ( via SofaScore ), which is only one shy of the most recorded by any Bournemouth player. It also matches Costa’s tally for Leeds, suggesting the Liverpool man will offer more for the Whites should they reach the top flight once again.
Wilson is contracted to Liverpool until 2023, so his future with the club is secure for the time being. But regular football doesn’t appear to be on the cards for him at Anfield, and that will be his main concern. With the possibility of Leeds replacing his current club Bournemouth in the Premier League next season, a permanent move to Elland Road could work out well for all concerned.
