The return of Harry Wilson to his former club Liverpool marks a significant moment in his career, as the winger approaches free agency following an impressive season with Fulham. Wilson initially joined Liverpool at the age of eight and spent 16 years with the club, leaving on five different loan spells and making only two first-team appearances before joining Fulham in 2021.
Now, he returns to Anfield as one of the most in-form players in the league, with only a handful of players boasting more goal contributions than his tally of 10 goals and six assists. Wilson's fine form has not gone unnoticed, with Premier League teams and Champions League clubs across Europe taking notice of his situation. The Wales international is on the verge of becoming one of the most sought-after free agents in the market.
In an interview with Sky Sports in December, Wilson attributed his strong form to regular playing time and a rhythm, stating that he plays his best football when he's playing game in, game out. After starting just 12 league games for Fulham last season due to injuries and rotation, Wilson is now a crucial member of the team, with his importance to the team as significant as it is to his own career.
In the four games Fulham have been without Wilson, they have suffered three defeats and struggled to beat League One side Wycombe in the Carabao Cup. Wilson's influence on the team is evident, with his mazy runs, emphatic volleys, and drives infield from the right all contributing to crucial goals and assists. His transformation from a squad player on the brink of a Deadline Day exit in August to a leader who his teammates depend on to make a difference is a testament to his hard work and dedication.
The question on everyone's mind is what has caused the increased return for Wilson. The answer lies in his ability to build on the quality he previously showed in flashes, with a showreel of long-range strikes and a passing range that allows him to spread the play or find teammates inside the box. Wilson's improvement is also evident in his ability to create chances for his teammates, with 41% of his shots this season coming from outside the area, resulting in three goals.
His late runs to latch onto crosses and pick up on loose balls have also become a hallmark of his game, with six of his 10 goals arriving from just inside the box. The quality has always been there, but with a strong run of games, fitness on his side, and confidence oozing from every action, Wilson is now reaching the levels that many tipped him for when he first emerged as a prospect at Liverpool. As the summer transfer window approaches, the queue for his services will be long, and whoever secures his signature could be getting the bargain of the window.