Ryan Kent will return to Anfield after an excellent spell with Barnsley, but could fellow Reds starlet Harry Wilson replace him at Oakwell?
Ryan Kent starred at Barnsley
After an excellent season on loan at Barnsley, it appears that 20-year-old winger Ryan Kent has forced his way into Jurgen Klopp’s first-team plans at Liverpool.
The Sun claim that the Reds will offer the sprightly winger a long-term contract to ward off interest from Bournemouth and Leeds United. Like so many huge names before him, a temporary spell with an unassuming club lower down the footballing ladder may have been the making of Kent.
Therefore, it would be no surprise if Liverpool were to perhaps take up any future offers Barnsley may have to loan one of their highly-rated starlets.
And, according to The Sun, the Tykes are aiming to follow up Kent’s excellent season at Oakwell by bringing in his fellow Liverpool starlet Harry Wilson as a replacement.
The 20-year-old prodigy, who infamously made his senior Wales bow at the age of just 16 to end any hopes he could have of turning out for England, is one of the most highly-rated youngsters in British football.
New kid on the block
However, while the likes of Ben Woodburn and Trent Alexander-Arnold have made great strides in the first team this season under Jurgen Klopp, fellow under-21 star Wilson is yet to make his Premier League bow.
And this is despite the fact he has scored 12 goals in 17 games in Premier League 2 this season.
The Sun add that Barnsley’s approach has been met with resistance from Anfield but perhaps they should consider letting Wilson follow in Kent’s footsteps.
After all, Barnsley are renowned for improving young players under Paul Heckingbottom. And with star winger Marley Watkins seemingly set to leave when his contract expires in the summer, Wilson should not be short of first-team chances.
At least more than he is getting at Liverpool.
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