Liverpool's Dominic Solanke closes in on £19m move to Bournemouth with Nathaniel Clyne heading the same way on loan
Liverpool duo Dominic Solanke and Nathaniel Clyne are on the verge of move to Bournemouth. Clyne is heading out of Anfield for the rest of the season, but Solanke is negotiating a permanent move to the Vitality Stadium in a deal that would be worth £19million plus add-ons. Solanke - who moved to Liverpool from Chelsea 18 months ago - is being tracked by several Premier League clubs. He appeared to be going on loan to Crystal Palace last week, but stalled as more bids materialised.
Fulham, Huddersfield and Brighton have also shown interest, but it now looks like Eddie Howe will complete a second Anfield transfer in a matter of hours. It will need a significant fee to secure Solanke. Clyne has been considering numerous offers, Cardiff especially keen to secure his services. The 27-year-old has rarely played over the last two years due to injury but made a successful comeback when he started against Manchester United recently.
England Under 21 international Solanke hoped his move to Merseyside would present more opportunities than were on offer at former club Chelsea. He was a regular in the squad last season, making 21 appearances.
But he has not featured at all in this campaign and is currently injured.
His opportunities have been restricted because of the attacking trio of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. Jurgen Klopp has also preferred Daniel Sturridge as his back-up, while Xherdan Shaqiri can also play further upfield when required.
Klopp evidently feels he has enough back-up to allow senior players to go in January, although it is a surprise there are departures before Monday’s FA Cup tie with Wolves.
Liverpool are expected to make several changes for the game at Molineux.
AFC Bournemouth have completed the signing of England international striker Dominic Solanke.
The 21-year-old arrives from Liverpool for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a long-term contract at Vitality Stadium.
Solanke began his career at Chelsea, rising through the ranks at Stamford Bridge and enjoying a season on loan at Dutch side Vitesse, before joining Liverpool in July 2017.
As well as playing for the Reds in domestic competitions, Solanke also featured in Liverpool’s run to last season’s Champions League final, and made his senior England debut against Brazil in November 2017.
Speaking to afcbTV, Solanke said: “I think the club is going somewhere. Over the past few years, they have been really good in the Premier League and had some good positional finishes as well. I think it’s a good club to be at, especially for someone of my age.
“I spoke with the manager this morning [Friday]. He is a really nice guy. From playing and watching the Premier League, I know the sort of manager he is. I was excited to meet him and am really looking forward to working with him and seeing what he’s about.
“My main target is to score goals and, being a striker, hopefully I can get a few for the team and help the team get wins. Playing in the Premier League, every game is tough and together we can try to do as well as we can.”
AFC Bournemouth manager, Eddie Howe, said: “Dominic is technically gifted, very athletic and has the physical profile that will give us something different in our front line.
“He has done very well for England at various age groups, has a huge amount of potential and I’m really excited about working with him.”
AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, added: “I am delighted that we have been able to secure the signing of one of the country’s best young strikers.
“Dominic is a fantastic talent who has a huge future and he will provide us with great competition in the final third.
Delighted to put pen to paper with @afcbournemouth . Really looking forward to start working with some great players and a great manager. Exciting times ahead!😆🍒