Liverpool reached an agreement to sign 17-year-old striker Will Wright from Salford City, the Athletic reported.
This is less than two weeks after it was reported that Arsenal had agreed a £200k deal with Salford for the teenager’s signature. Wright never agreed personal terms with the London club and reportedly favored staying in the North West of England to continue his development rather than move to the nation’s capital.
It’s reported that Wright will link up with the Liverpool U-21s and play under former Welsh national team manager Rob Page.
Why have Liverpool signed him?
Wright was prolific at youth levels for Salford, scoring over 50 goals across all age groups last season, wrote The Times.
His performances in the youth ranks earned him a first-team debut with the League Two side back in November in a 3-2 win against the Wolverhampton Wanderers’ U-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
He appeared three more times for the Salford City first team last campaign, twice in League 2, and once in the FA Cup.
Salford manager Karl Robinson handed Wright his first start of pre-season two weeks ago in a friendly against FC United of Manchester. Wright scored a brace in the match, which Salford drew 2-2.
Wright’s progress attracted attention from several sides, with scouts feeling his development would benefit from time at an elite academy.
What should fans expect from him?
The 6 ‘3 target man showed a strong ability to hold up the ball against physical defenders in his few cameos for the Salford first team, despite being just a teenager.
He also possesses a natural finishing ability that caught the eye of Liverpool scouts. Stronger on his right foot, and with a decent aerial presence. For the youth teams, he was often seen running onto through balls, or taking a shot from distance on a quick turn.
He likely won’t be making any appearances at Anfield in the Premier League any time soon, but should his development continue at this rate, he’ll be one to watch in the future for England and Liverpool fans.
