Liverpool have reportedly made an approach for 18-year-old Chelsea midfielder Lewis Bate, who wants to fast track his pathway to first-team football.
As per Goal’s Chelsea journalist Nizaar Kinsella, ‘Liverpool are one of the clubs that have approached Lewis Bate.
‘But he prefers to have a quick pathway to first-team football rather than just sign up to another top academy.’
KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND – APRIL 15: Lewis Bate of Chelsea during the Chelsea U18 v Everton U18 FA Youth Cup match at Kingsmeadow on April 15, 2021 in Kingston upon Thames, England. (Photo by Clive Howes – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
The Athletic reported on Friday last week that ‘there are people within the club who are worried about what is going on.’
Liverpool are understood to be one of the clubs trying to exploit Chelsea’s inability to tie their youngster’s down to new contracts.
Bate, 18, has one year left on his contract and while Thomas Tuchel’s side is trying to get him to commit to fresh terms, he is reportedly unimpressed by their guarantees that he will be given the first team game time he is after.
With that in mind, I cannot imagine Liverpool would be either. At Chelsea, the English starlet has N’Golo Kante, EURO 2020 Champion Jorginho, Kai Havertz as well as Mason Mount in front of him.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his teams second goal during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Getty Images)
At Liverpool, there’s Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago.
If he can’t break through at Chelsea, where even Billy Gilmour is struggling to nail down a starting spot, I find it difficult to believe that he’d find the minutes he craves at Liverpool.
Bate should look at Bobby Duncan, Steven Gerrard’s cousin, as a cautionary tale. While I have my belief that he was ill-advised, the young lad forced a move to Fiorentina and has since fallen off the face of the earth.
If I could give the Chelsea midfielder a word of advice it would be to bide his time at Stamford Bridge before seeking a move to the likes of Liverpool.
BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – JULY 11: Bobby Duncan of Liverpool during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool at Prenton Park on July 11, 2019 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, if Jurgen Klopp is to sign a new midfielder this summer, it really ought to be an experienced no.8 that can make an immediate impact.
While someone like Saul Niguez is the ideal target, he will cost around €50million and is being chased by Manchester United as well.
Renato Sanches seems like FSG’s perfect signing due to his age, potential, price and ability to come in and immediately contribute.
