Who is Chelsea’s Dominic Solanke, the star set to become Liverpool’s first summer signing?

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The Liverpool Echo report that Liverpool are set to seal a deal for a Chelsea starlet Dominic Solanke as the 19-year-old prepares to depart the west London club at the end of his current contract in the summer.

A transfer fee will be decided by tribunal, with a fee in the region of £3 million expected, adding to his wages which stick with the club’s policy of not paying more than £20,000 per week to any youth players.

Who is he? 

Born in Reading, Solanke has been with Chelsea since the age of seven and has played a key role in the success of their youth teams, forming part of the sides that won the FA Youth Cup in 2014 and 2015 as well as the UEFA Youth League in 2015.

Given his Chelsea debut in 2014 against Maribor in the Champions League to become the club’s youngest player in the competition, he was sent out on loan to Holland in 2015 where he joined Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem and scored seven goals in 25 games across his only season abroad.

Capped at England under 21 level, Solanke has returned to the under 20s of late and enjoyed huge success, scoring six goals in eight games for his country.

How will he fit in at Liverpool?

A strong and quick striker – clearly aware of the best AMRAP workouts for young footballers – Solanke usually plays in a central role but has also proven himself to be capable of playing on the wing or just behind a fellow centre forward, showing flexibility that will be appreciated by Jurgen Klopp.

Also wanted by Red Bull Leipzig in Germany and a number of other Premier League clubs, Solanke will likely join the likes of Ben Woodburn in competing for a role in the front three next season and applying pressure on the seasoned pros in the squad.

Whilst Solanke’s signing may well be one for the future, it certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make a number of appearances next season given Jurgen Klopp’s desire to give youth a chance and Solanke’s impressive track record.

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