Gary McAllister Encourages Liverpool to Sign Harry Wilson on Free Transfer

Gary McAllister urges Liverpool to bring Harry Wilson home on a free

Gary McAllister knows what it means to arrive at Anfield on a free transfer and make it count. Now he believes Liverpool have a similar opportunity staring them in the face.

Harry Wilson, once the great hope of Liverpool’s Academy and now a seasoned Premier League winger, is set to leave Fulham at the end of the month after failing to agree a new contract. At 29, with 187 Fulham appearances, 36 goals and 46 assists behind him, he is about to hit the market for nothing.

McAllister’s message is simple: Liverpool should not stand and watch.

A Liverpool education, a Premier League finished product

Wilson left Liverpool for Craven Cottage in search of the regular football that never quite arrived on Merseyside. Between a string of loans at Crewe Alexandra, Hull City, Derby County, Bournemouth and Cardiff City, he managed just two senior appearances for the Reds before his permanent move to Fulham, initially on loan.

What he did take with him, McAllister insists, was a Liverpool upbringing.

“He’s been coached in the Liverpool way, and he always caught the eye when you were around Anfield,” said the former Scotland international, who himself joined Liverpool on a free in 2000 and became a key figure in their treble-winning season.

McAllister remembers the whispers that follow any genuine prospect through Kirkby.

“When I was doing bits and bobs for the club, you’d hear about the young players coming through, and he was one of the standouts.

“I watched Harry from a very young age, and the performances you’ve seen at Fulham are very similar to what I saw when he was playing for the youth team at Liverpool.”

That continuity, from precocious teenager to established top-flight winger, is exactly what convinces McAllister that Wilson is now the finished article.

“With his passing range, his ability to get a goal, and his work-rate, he’s becoming a very complete player.”

Interest mounting as Liverpool weigh attacking rebuild

Wilson will not be short of options. Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Everton have all been strongly linked with the Wales international, whose stock has risen steadily in west London and on the international stage.

He has 69 caps for Wales and featured in all three of their matches at the last World Cup, a measure of his consistency and trustworthiness at the highest level.

So why should Liverpool be in the queue?

Because their forward line is in flux. Mohamed Salah has departed, tearing a chunk of goals and experience from the right side of the attack, while Hugo Ekitike faces a long-term injury lay-off. The squad suddenly looks lighter in wide areas, lighter in proven end product.

For McAllister, that combination of need and opportunity is too obvious to ignore.

“So, it’s no surprise there’s interest, as he’s up at the end of the season, and I’m sure there will be a lot of takers. Liverpool should be one of them.”

A free transfer with pedigree

McAllister’s own story gives his words extra weight. Signed on a free from Coventry City in 2000, he became one of the most inspired bargain additions in Liverpool’s modern history, driving the club through a remarkable cup treble and leaving an imprint far greater than his transfer fee suggested.

He sees a similar kind of value in Wilson, though in a different role and at a different stage of his career.

Speaking to Grosvenor Casino, McAllister did not temper his assessment.

“Without a shadow of a doubt, Harry is a top-end Premier League player now.

“He has been on the international stage for his country as well, and he’s been fantastic there. I’m really pleased for him because he’s a very hard worker.”

The equation for Liverpool is clear. A 29-year-old, homegrown, right-sided attacker, schooled at their own Academy, available on a free, with Premier League numbers and major tournament experience. Rivals circling. A hole on the right of their forward line.

The last time Liverpool backed McAllister on a free transfer, it changed a season. Will they listen again?