In Profile: Harry Wilson

Cam takes a look at our new winger and analyses how he’ll fit into Marco Silva’s squad.

A reported figure of £12m was enough to prise Harry Wilson away from Liverpool, whom he had been contracted to for 16 years, and with a bumper deal that could see the Wales representative rattle home long-range missiles and set-pieces until 2026 in SW6 and beyond, we’re intrigued to see how he settles into his new permanent surroundings.

A versed Championship competitor, having spent various spells on loan at Hull City, Derby County and most recently Cardiff City, a side he comfortably tallied 12 assists for last term, Wilson is designed for the stage he’s set to grace for the Whites, although the 24-year-old’s certainly capable of slipping into a higher gear, as his international pedigree will testify.

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Despite being shown a straight red card against Denmark in Wales’ Euro 2020 round-of-16 drubbing at the hands of Denmark, Wilson exemplified his stirring qualities on a major platform and was undoubtedly one of the Dragons brighter performers, featuring in 3 out of 4 encounters.

From making his senior international bow at the tender age of 16, to his sizzling free-kick for Frank Lampard’s Rams at Old Trafford and notching an impressive seven goals in 31 appearances for AFC Bournemouth in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign, Wilson has set an astounding standard for himself to emulate every time he sets foot on the turf and there’s undoubtedly room for progression.

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Overall in England’s second division, the multi-functional winger’s netted 29 goals alongside 19 assists, a return over 90 games which highlights his creative ingenuity, as well as his proficient tendencies when bearing down on the target. It’s well documented, of course, that from dead ball situations, Wilson is a superior marksman and a genuine provider of opportunity, attributes we’ll be eager to harness as soon as possible.

Predominantly deployed as a right winger throughout his career to date, the Wrexham-born attacker’s at ease across an offensive trident, as he’s also sporadically deputised on the left and in a central attacking capacity. Expect adaptability, resourcefulness and an invigorating sense of purpose from Wilson in the weeks and months to come, because now he truly knows where he stands, without the looming prospect of being shipped out temporarily to less desirable destinations, he’ll aim to button-down an undisputed spot in Silva’s starting XI, whilst winning over a fan base that’s curious and anticipatory.