Leeds United would be interested in Harry Wilson if they were promoted, according to Leeds Live’s Beren Cross. The Liverpool man is a player the Whites looked at when Marcelo Bielsa first arrived at Elland Road but the club found themselves ‘trumped by Frank Lampard’s fame and status at Derby County’.
However, Cross believes that in the next transfer window, the Yorkshire-based club will have ‘more pressing needs’, suggesting a deal for the 23-year-old may not be seen as a priority. He provided the update during a recent Q&A session with a group of Leeds supporters.
Here’s what he said in full:
“Wilson is somebody they looked at two years ago, in the summer Bielsa arrived, but found themselves trumped by Frank Lampard’s fame and status at Derby County. Naturally, a year later, he was only going to be considering a loan in the Premier League, ruling Leeds out. They like him and would be interested if they were promoted, but there’s no obvious space for him. Harrison and Costa will almost certainly become permanent deals this summer, with Hernandez, Dallas, Stevens and Poveda other wide options too. I just think there will be more pressing needs in the next window.”
Wilson has been on loan at Premier League strugglers Bournemouth this season, making 23 appearances in the top-flight for the Cherries and contributing seven goals (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk). According to WhoScored.com, his average performance rating in the league stands at 6.64/10, which isn’t particularly overwhelming, however, Eddie Howe’s side have struggled as a whole and currently find themselves in the drop-zone.
The Welshman operates from the right flank predominantly and Beren Cross highlighted the Whites already have the likes of Helder Costa, Pablo Hernandez, Ian Poveda and Jack Harrison all capable of playing in those positions. He went on to say he expects the aforementioned Costa and Harrison to sign permanent deals with the club in the summer which may put Bielsa off of the idea of going after Wilson.
Would Harry Wilson be an upgrade on the club's current options?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
The Whites may well have shown an interest in Wilson previously but given all the factors mentioned above, perhaps Cross is right, the Whites may be better served strengthening in areas where they have less cover. The Welsh international is currently valued at £15.75m (via Transfermarkt.co.uk), therefore, we can assume it will take a substantial investment to prise him away from Anfield – the type we feel the Championship leaders may be reluctant to make.