Liverpool have completed the signing of Dominic Solanke from Chelsea. The youngster was on loan at Vitesse Arnhem last season where he had a very fruitful display netting seven goals in 25 appearances. The 19-year-old reportedly has agreed to terms with the Reds and will move to the club soon. Liverpool have to pay a nominal fee in the range of £2-3m as he is under the age bracket of 24 and the fee is to be decided by a tribunal.
Liverpool earlier had signed Danny Ings in similar conditions where they paid £8m with add-ons to Burnley. £3m seems to be a good investment as there has been a tradition to overpay players, especially who are from the United Kingdom.
Solanke has been holding off a new contract for quite a while and now and it seems the Reds have hijacked the deal. He will be paid less than £20,000 a week as there is a stiff wage structure deployed by Klopp at the Anfield especially for younger players. Solanke has rarely had his chance in the Blues starting lineup and lack of game time has forced him to make a move.
The 19 year does possess a very encouraging goal scoring record as he has been through the various youth setups for the Three Lions. Although it is very unlikely that he will be involved with the senior team as soon as he arrives, Klopp will utilise him mostly at the academy. Solanke is currently with the England U-20 squad in South Korea where he has already scored a goal in the group stage.
With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Woodburn and Harry Wilson already impressing for the Reds, Solanke’s addition will strengthen their young contingent. The former Chelsea youngster already has a very impressive trophy haul at this age as he has won the UEFA Youth League and two Youth FA Cups in his short career so far.
Chelsea gaffer Antonio Conte had hinted earlier that the player might leave the club as it is not possible to meet his huge wage demand as of now. The youngster attracted interests from RB Leipzig and Celtic as the latter was planning to replace Moussa Dembele. Solanke can be used in the cup games to monitor his development as his addition will give Klopp a number of options to explore. The German gaffer is set to bolster his attacking department and the 19-year-old’s imposing stature can be reliable.
