Liverpool could be set to lose one of their young talents in the form of Bobby Adekanye as the 19-year-old looks set to depart Merseyside for Lazio, the Liverpool Echo have claimed.
They say that the Reds were keen to secure the Dutch youth international’s future as he has continued to progress through the ranks, but that he will now instead head to Italy to build on his recent development.
However, the club should not be concerned. Adekanye had previously shown glimpses of his potential but has struggled for consistency and failed to show the kind of progress that coaches have been demanding.
Having stepped up to under 23 level last season with 14 appearances in Premier League 2, he has maintained that this season without becoming a more important player for the side, providing just one goal and two assists in league action from attack.
Coaches have demanded more from the pacey forward, and his failure to convince that he has what it takes to maintain his development may be why the club were not prepared to match Lazio’s offer.
With a wealth of options ahead of him in the ranks, it is not a major worry either. Ben Woodburn may soon return to Merseyside and take his spot at youth level and there are plenty of options on the flanks for Jurgen Klopp to choose from.