Liverpool have produced several Premier League-level academy graduates in recent years, but few are thriving more this season than Harry Wilson, who has 16 goal contributions to his name at Fulham.
He was never given a real chance under Jurgen Klopp, making just two appearances for the Reds. After a series of loan moves, he eventually made a permanent move to Craven Cottage in 2021 for £12 million.
In 2019, the German manager had high praise for the Welshman. He said, “His shooting is world-class. Find me five players who shoot better than him.” However, in that same year, Wilson understood it was time to leave Anfield.
Just missing out on the Liverpool team
In 2018, the forward was named the club’s academy player of the year, and after the success of fellow academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 2017-18 season, there was belief he could be next.
In the 2018-19 campaign, Wilson moved to Championship club Derby County, where he enjoyed a successful period as they just missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
His performances in his words ‘were good’ and it looked like he could be an option in the Liverpool team after they had just come off the back of Champions League success in Madrid.
Wilson also believed he had a chance after a great preseason period, where he was heavily involved.
“That pre-season at Liverpool, we played a few games in England and then went out to America and France. I played pretty much every game.”
Though, as the Premier League season was coming back around, he realised the writing was on the wall after a game at Wembley.
“We played Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley, and I was 19th man. The disappointment of that really hit me.”
He continued.
“I felt that was my chance, and it had gone. I thought I’d done all I could, and I think that was when I started to accept that I’d have to leave.”
Later in the window, he joined Bournemouth on loan, with his permanent move confirmed a year later.
Victim of Reds golden era
Unfortunately for the 29-year-old, he was trying to break through at exactly the wrong time.
There were still question marks over his ability, but the talent in Liverpool’s attacking areas was some of the best the club has ever seen, which was why they won the European Cup and the Premier League across two seasons.
As a right winger, he had to compete with Mohamed Salah and Xherdan Shaqiri, both incredible players who have showcased immense ability in England for multiple years at that stage.
Had Wilson emerged in today’s squad, opportunities may have existed. But he came through during one of Liverpool’s strongest ever sides, and sometimes timing matters as much as talent.