According to a recent report by the Daily Star, Liverpool are in the running to secure the signature of Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic. The same source has claimed that the Reds will face competition from Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Everton and Manchester United in pursuit of the English rising star.
Gelhardt’s Rise To Prominence In The EFL Championship
The 17-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most promising young talents in English football. He has come through Wigan’s youth system and has managed to break out as a first-team starter earlier this year. At such a tender age, Gelhardt has already made seven appearances for the Latics in the EFL Championship while scoring one goal in the process.
The early signs have been quite positive for the English teenager so he could be a brilliant coup for Jurgen Klopp’s side if they manage to bring him to Merseyside in the coming years. However, for now, the Wigan starlet is better off staying at the DW Stadium where he has the potential to become a regular member of Paul Cook’s starting XI. Probably that was his thinking as well given he has signed a new contract at Wigan.
Gelhardt has also represented England at various youth levels and is currently playing an important role for the England U-18’s, having scored three goals in six matches for them thus far.
What Will The English Sensation Bring To Merseyside?
Gelhardt is primarily a centre-forward but can also operate as a right-winger if required. He excels at getting his shots on target which makes him a lethal presence in the final third. However, the English prospect is still quite raw and would need time to develop into a top talent.
Making a switch to Liverpool will suit him as he will be able to play under the expert guidance of Klopp. The German head coach is renowned for his man-management skills in developing young talent. Gelhardt could follow on the footsteps of his international teammates, Harvey Elliott and Rhian Brewster by joining the Reds. Klopp can also use a promising homegrown striker at Melwood following the departure of Bobby Duncan this summer.
Is Gelhardt A Prospect For The Future?
There is no doubt that Gelhardt has the potential to be a house-hold name in England as long as he can continue improving his game with each season. The Liverpool-born talent is a star in the making so it would be interesting to see what career path he chooses to take when he eventually decides to part ways with the Latics.
