Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon in action during the championship match at Craven Cottage Stadium, London. Picture date 6th March 2018. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage via PA Images

Jamie Carragher explains why Liverpool “watched” but didn’t pursue move for Ryan Sessegnon

Jamie Carragher has claimed Liverpool “watched” Ryan Sessegnon ahead of his £25 million move to Tottenham this summer, but declined a move of their own.

Sessegnon left Fulham for Spurs in the closing stages of the English transfer window, following two years of speculation over a move to a high-profile club.

The 19-year-old is yet to feature for his new club as he recovers from a hamstring injury, but is likely to challenge Danny Rose for the starting left-back spot when he returns.

Given the Reds headed into the new campaign a left-back lighter after Alberto Moreno‘s free transfer to Villarreal, the addition of Sessegnon—who can also operate further forward in attack—was seen by many as ideal.

But instead, James Milner is now effectively Andy Robertson‘s backup, with Joe Gomez, Ki-Jana Hoever and Yasser Larouci other candidates for the role.

This lack of specialist cover for Robertson makes Carragher’s claims over why Liverpool opted out of the pursuit of Sessegnon all the more confusing.

“I know Liverpool watched Ryan Sessegnon, and saw another player for the future rather than someone who could go straight into the team at left-back,” he wrote in his Telegraph column on Friday.

Still a teenager, Sessegnon is of course a “player for the future,” but having played 35 games in the Premier League already, along with a further 75 in the Championship, he already has considerable experience.

BANGOR, WALES - Saturday, November 12, 2016: Wales' Cameron Coxe in action against England's Ryan Sessegnon during the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Qualifying Round Group 6 match at the Nantporth Stadium. (Pic by Gavin Trafford/Propaganda)

He would not have been required to “go straight into the team,” either, bar a long-term injury to Robertson—but, in that case, the likes of Milner and Gomez would still be available.

And his ability to provide added depth in attack would have been useful too, with Divock Origi currently stationed as stand-in whenever Sadio Mane is out.

With Spurs paying just £25 million for the England under-21 international, there would have been little risk in a move for Sessegnon.

But clearly, if Carragher is to be believed, Liverpool were not convinced by his maiden campaign in the English top flight, as Fulham suffered relegation under Slavisa Jokanovic, Claudio Ranieri and Scott Parker.

The Reds sign two players “for the future” over the summer, though, with Sepp van den Berg arriving from PEC Zwolle and Harvey Elliott also leaving the Cottagers.