OPINION
We’ve always been told that Liverpool are not going to spend big money this summer after splashing out big time a year ago, and so far that has held true.
However, that doesn’t stop the Reds from being linked with plenty of high-price individuals, with Bournemouth winger Ryan Fraser very much one of them. The Daily Mail reported on Thursday that Jurgen Klopp’s team are interested in the Scotland international, while their own winger Harry Wilson departing for the Cherries was jotted down as one of their most likely deals in the next week or so.
Perhaps a straight swap deal could be in the offing, but if Fraser arrives at Anfield and Wilson doesn’t move away, then his arrival would surely spell the end of the Welshman’s Liverpool tenure.
The Independent reported in May that Eddie Howe values Fraser at £30million, which would likely be a big roadblock to this deal getting over the line.
Plus, when you consider the form that Wilson showed for Derby County during a phenomenal loan spell last season, it’s difficult to see why Klopp would need Fraser, particularly when any attacker coming into the club will merely serve as back up to the team’s established front three.
Wilson, lest we forget, scored 18 goals and grabbed six assists in all competitions for the Rams last term. How is that not good enough for him to at least get a chance as a rotational option for the Reds in the upcoming campaign?
When you look at how both men performed last season, as per WhoScored.com, albeit in different divisions, their output was pretty similar. Wilson scored more goals, but Fraser registered more assists. The 22-year-old led the way in average shots per game, but the 25-year-old was the main man in key passes per game.
Essentially these guys are even, with Wilson’s youth being balanced out by Fraser’s Premier League-proven track record. With that said, it’s surely best to take a punt on the man who is already on Merseyside.
