Liverpool will not target a replacement for Xherdan Shaqiri should the winger join Lyon, as Jurgen Klopp is confident in Harvey Elliott’s potential, according to the Daily Mail.
Reds chiefs are adamant Elliott possesses Premier League quality and will look to present opportunities for the forward to thrive. It is only a matter of time that Klopp fields the 18-year-old in a starting XI, if he does not decide Saturday is the time against Norwich City.
Liverpool open the new Premier League season at Norwich, looking to enjoy a stronger campaign than 2020/21’s third-placed finish. Elliott should play a key role in Klopp’s efforts as the Reds have no interest in letting the youngster leave, on loan or permanently.
Liverpool are ready to reward Elliott with more first-team minutes after impressing on loan at Blackburn Rovers last season. The London-born maestro scored seven goals and offered 11 assists in 41 Championship appearances spread across Tony Mowbray’s frontline.
England scouts are also monitoring Elliott, with the Daily Mail adding he is being considered for an U21 debut. The teenager has already represented the Three Lions at U15, 16, 17 and 19 levels. And an U21 breakthrough can cap a promising year for the rising star next term.
Elliott impressed Klopp with the strides made in his progress while away from Liverpool and in pre-season this summer. The German now feels he is ready to step in and take over from Shaqiri if the Swiss joins Lyon.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Shaqiri has agreed personal terms with the Ligue 1 side, but the fee is an issue. Lyon have offered Liverpool €6m (£5m), less than half of the £12.75m valuation Sky Sports had reported last week.
Klopp replacing Shaqiri with ‘wonderful’ Elliott at Liverpool
Liverpool agreeing terms with Lyon for Shaqiri and replacing the winger with Elliott will see Klopp boast a ‘wonderful’ talent. That’s the opinion of Blackburn boss Mowbray, who lauded the youngster in December via the Liverpool Echo:
“He’s a wonderful talent, he’s a brilliant individual to work with, as well. I tell the team to give him the ball, much like I did with Bradley Dack before his injury. The special talents in the team are generally the ones who make the right decision with the ball. They make the right decisions. Harvey has assets that Bradley has, that trust when he has the ball.”
Elliott took his game to another level under Mowbray at Blackburn, and will hope to rise under Klopp at Liverpool. Chances will be available at Anfield next season, especially if Shaqiri joins Lyon, he just has to seize them.
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