Liverpool winger Harry Wilson has joined Championship side Derby County on a season-long loan, after signing a new five-year contract with the club.
The 21-year-old Welshman, who enjoyed a very productive loan at Hull City in the second half of last season, agreed new terms with the Reds earlier in July.
He then missed the pre-season friendly at Bury with Jurgen Klopp explaining that was in order to not jeopardise a loan move.
Over a dozen clubs tabled loan offers for the winger, including the recently relegated trio of Stoke, Swansea and West Brom, along with half the Championship.
It’s understood that Klopp prefers Wilson to head out to the Championship and play regularly, than be a bit-part player at a Premier League side.
Derby, under new management in Frank Lampard, have won the race, with Liverpool now confirming the deal.
Ex-Reds striker Neil Mellor took to Twitter soon after the deal was confirmed to wish Wilson luck:
Good luck to @harrywilson_ ….Derby have got a very talented player. I thought he proved his quality in the Championship last season and I would like to have seen what he could do with a loan move to a club in the Premier League #LFC #DCFC
— Neil Mellor (@NeilMellor33) July 17, 2018
The Rams finished last season sixth in the Championship, making the play-offs; they will be looking to get promotion back to the top flight next season.
Speaking to dcfc.co.uk on the announcement of Derby’s double loan deal to sign Wilson and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, Lampard hailed the arrival of the Liverpool winger.
“He’s going to be a crucial player for us,” he explained.
“I keep talking about creativity and the importance of trying to excite the fans and he’s the sort of player that can do that with the quality that he has.
“For himself too, to have a year at this level and feel an important player at an important club, that will be important.
“Hopefully it’s a great platform for him, but on a selfish note, we have got ourselves a real quality player.”
Good luck, Harry!
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