Liverpool starlet Yasser Larouci is set to leave the club.
Football Insider reported that the 19-year-old was offered a new, five-year deal but rejected it in order to move elsewhere for more first team football.
The massive contract – not for the wages on offer but for the security and length – was turned down and now Yasser Larouci expects to leave Merseyside before the end of the transfer window.
Youngsters don’t normally get five-year deals unless they’re really valued by the coaching staff and it takes a strong person to reject the chance to work with Jurgen Klopp.
His progression seems to have been going smoothly, and although Larouci wasn’t near the first team, he was around the squad and made some cup appearances.
The Algerian is still young, but has decided to take matters into his own hands. Leeds United are interested in signing him, reported Goal, while Championship sides Norwich City and Brentford are also keen.
Larouci joined Liverpool in 2017 and has been moved from a left winger to a defender in order to make the most of Klopp’s desire to play with attacking full-backs.
Jamal Lewis is now the preferred candidate as Andy Robertson’s back-up, and sporting director Michael Edwards has submitted a bid for the Northern Ireland international.
The Reds are trying to lowball Norwich City, but they are determined to hold out for £20 million. Liverpool only want to pay £10 million, and we can expect some pretty intense negotiations from here on.
Despite this rejection, there are still a number of high-profile youngsters who are expected to come into the first team squad next season and do well. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Neco Williams will fly the flag for the Academy.
It’s a brave move by Larouci to turn down a massive offer from Liverpool, and you have to wish him all the best for his future.