Liverpool announced the signing of Chelsea‘s Dominic Solanke earlier on Tuesday, with fan reaction oddly mixed over the striker’s impending arrival.
The 19-year-old will arrive at Anfield on July 1 after the expiration of his Stamford Bridge contract, with a tribunal fee for the deal expected to cost Liverpool around £3 million.
For an England youth striker held in high regard by his coaches it seems a more than reasonable fee and a promising start to the transfer window for the Reds, but not everybody was impressed.
In fairness, the deal followed hot on the heels of rumours that moves for Naby Keita and Ryan Sessegnon weren’t progressing as hoped, potentially denting morale of the online fanbase.
But Solanke should prove an exciting and good value addition to Jurgen Klopp‘s squad next season, an additional option in attack and with the potential to develop into an extremely capable forward.
Here’s how Reds fans reacted to the news that Liverpool have nabbed one of Chelsea‘s most promising young talents.
First up, there was plenty of positivity, particularly from those who have seen Solanke up close.
https://twitter.com/MichaelBeale/status/869592043265372160
https://twitter.com/paul_tomkins/status/869518376783228929
Don't see any problem in signing a talented young prospect like Solanke for a minimal fee. Low risk, high potential payoff. Makes sense.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) May 30, 2017
There were those who questioned if Solanke was arriving as a senior, or a bridge from the under-23s, accepting that potential was being sought and developed.
Solanke could be class. Could be average. For absolute buttons its a no brainer.
— L4 (@L4Kop10) May 30, 2017
I wonder if the Solanke signing means we will loan out Ings next season. Would make sense to give him a full season elsewhere to recover.
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) May 30, 2017
Guys need to chill about Solanke,no offence to him he'll be no where near the 1st team nxt season. Maybe the odd bench but mainly u23s #LFC
— Ste ?? (@MogesticMo) May 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/AcademyLFC/status/869541869499371522
And, of course, a few who had less inclination to be positive over a new arrival.
Liverpool have to be trolling, all this talk of Keita & Van Dijk to go and announce we have signed Solanke
— K.C. (@KaiSavage_) May 30, 2017
https://twitter.com/drewlfc5times/status/869612787412213762
https://twitter.com/AnfieldRd96/status/869585378533158912
Mostly, though, there was optimism that the summer business had started—and an acknowledgement that there is much to look forward to.
Reading 'fan' comments around Liverpool's signing of Solanke makes me a) loathe modern football and b) realise that fandom is truly dead.
— Simon Clancy (@SiClancy) May 30, 2017
Good business from Klopp and #LFC in the signing of Solanke. Done under the radar. It could be a good summer transfer window for us
— DIPESH SHAH (@mrdipeshashah) May 30, 2017
Had been making a list of players who've stood out in U20 World Cup games watched so far. #LFC just signed the guy at the top of it. pic.twitter.com/ZhIRzF4zOB
— James Nalton (@JDNalton) May 30, 2017
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