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Dominic Solanke takes swipe at former club Chelsea as Liverpool move is confirmed

The 19-year-old only managed to make 17 minutes of first-team action at Stamford Bridge

Tuesday 11 July 2017 13:16 BST

(Getty)

Dominic Solanke has revealed why he decided to move to Liverpool this summer, and has taken a big swipe at Chelsea’s youth policy in the process.

The 19-year-old left the Blues on a free this summer because of his frustration of a lack of opportunity to develop at Stamford Bridge, with first-team arrivals severely limiting his chance to make an impression.

Solanke’s stock has since risen after helping England win the Under-20 World Cup this summer and winning the Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player in the process.

How could Liverpool line up next season?

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But he only managed 17 minutes of senior action, which came nearly three years ago in the Champions League against NK Maribor when he was 17 years old, and has since been restricted to a loan spell at Vitesse Arnhem.

And Solanke has praised the opportunities afforded to young players at Anfield, in comparison to his former club Chelsea.

“Every time I see Liverpool, there’s such a family nature, there’re a lot of young players doing well at the club, so I think it will be a good place for me to develop my career,” said the forward, whose compensation fee is set to be decided by a tribunal.

“As a young player, you always want to see the club you’re at pushing young players through.

“I’m quite good friends with Joe Gomez - I’ve known him since we were young - and obviously Ovie [Ejaria] and Sheyi [Ojo] were with us at the Under-20 World Cup. We spoke a bit when we were away, so I’m looking forward to enjoying it with them.

“Liverpool’s got a lot of good young players, so hopefully everyone can play their part.”

Solanke is also excited to work with head coach Jurgen Klopp, whom he praised for his passion and energy on the touchline.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

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1/9Liverpool summer transfer targets

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Naby Keita

A difficult signing to pull off, but one that Liverpool are interested in making. Keita's dynamic performances in the centre of RB Leipzig's midfield have caught Klopp's eye, but also the attention of Bayern Munich, who are also monitoring the player.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Timo Werner

Werner scored 21 goals in the Bundesliga last season as his goals fired RB Leipzig to second place and a first-ever Champions League qualification. The German club are keen to keep him but money talks and Liverpool are desperate for an out-and-out goalscorer.

Bongarts/Getty Images

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Dusan Tadic

The Southampton attacker is out of favour on the south coast and desperate for a way out of the club. Liverpool are interested in him to provide competition and back-up to the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana with the added strain of European football.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Andrew Robertson

Given Hull's relegation to the Championship, Robertson is one of the players in the shop window. Left-backs are at the forefront of Klopp's transfer activity and Robertson will come fairly cheap.

Getty

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Somewhat surprising reports have arisen over recent weeks that Chamberlain will be a Liverpool player next season. A disappointing season for Arsenal has left their squad in disarray, and it is thought that the 23 year-old midfielder is seeking a new challenge. The player’s versatility across midfield positions is an appealing to Klopp, who will need added squad depth. Arsenal will not be keen to sell to a rival, but if the rumours are to be believed, Chamberlain has his heart set on the Merseyside club and a £35 million transfer could well be on the cards.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Douglas Costa

The 26 year old Brazilian winger has gained plaudits for his performances at the German champions, yet the player stated earlier in the season that he is ‘not that happy’, presumably at missing out to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben regularly. He would cost upwards of £25 million and have plenty of suitors, meaning Liverpool are simply one of many clubs he could choose from, although he did recently ‘like’ a tweet from a Liverpool fan about the possibility of him joining the club. There is also a chance that Costa is happy in Munich but is seeking an improved deal, which would come as no real surprise.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Ryan Sessegnon

Sessegnon is a long-term option at left-back for Liverpool with the 17-year-old lighting up the Championship with Fulham. With only Alberto Moreno, who is expected to leave, and James Milner available in that position, Klopp wants to bring in at least two. He faces competition from Manchester United and Tottenham though.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

The most speculative target on the list is Gabon forward Aubameyang, who became a household name under Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund. Constant questions over his future are expected to culminate in a move this summer, and while his former boss will no doubt be interested, European giants Real Madrid are circling and thought to be his preferred destination. While the versatile Roberto Firmino has had a good season deployed as Liverpool’s first choice striker and Divock Origi a promising talent, they still lack a world class centre forward like Aubameyang. Dortmund CEO Hanz-Joachim Watzke stated earlier this year that the striker, who has three years to run on his contract, would only leave ‘for an outrageous fee’.

Liverpool summer transfer targets

Jonas Hector

A player Klopp will know well, the 26 year-old is thought to be a serious option with the manager unconvinced by Alberto Moreno. James Milner has deputised brilliantly this season but an out-and-out left back is a priority for the summer. Hector has earned 27 caps for Germany since 2014 and is known for his excellent positional understanding and for putting in accurate crosses. It is thought he would cost in excess of £20 million, which could be well worth it for a good player approaching his prime years.

“Every time I’ve seen him, he’s always so enthusiastic and passionate so I think that’s what you need,” he added.

“As a young player you just want to reach your full potential, so to have good players around you and a good manager to help will be really good.

“I just want to make an impact. Hopefully when I get my opportunity I can take it and help the team.”

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