Ryan Sessegnon has been one of the most wanted English talents in the 2016-17 season. The Fulham teenager has been targeted by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal. All clubs have been very keen on ensuring that the left-back ends up in their backyard.

However, it appears that Liverpool have managed to secure a vital advantage over the rest of the chasing pack. Liverpool’s transfer department is now confident that they have done enough to back the signing of Ryan Sessegnon in the summer. The 16-year-old is expected to join Anfield in the summer once the ongoing season comes to an end.

The 16-year-old has had a breakthrough campaign at the Craven Cottage. He has featured in 24 games for the London club. As an attacking full-back, he has scored six goals and created three for his teammates in these matches. These statistics further underline the immense potential within the player, who has already been seen as the next Gareth Bale.

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic claims that he would like to keep Sessegnon at Craven Cottage. However, he went on to admit that it would be extremely difficult considering the stature of the club’s currently in for him. He said:

“I can only tell him that he will improve if he works and stays with us.

“This is how I will try to convince him to stay with the club.

“I am enjoying the opportunity to work with and use him in my squad. I hope for a long time but in this business you never know what is going to happen.”

Sessegnon will be able to provide a significant boost to the Liverpool’s defensive setup. One of the key factors behind the player choosing Liverpool would have been the less competition for places in the left-back position. Alberto Moreno is widely expected to leave the club in the summer, while the club have been relying on James Milner – a midfielder by trade – to fill in on the left side of defence.

Sessegnon has a great opportunity to become a starter with Liverpool in his first season at the club. Given his impact in the Championship, it would not be surprising if Sessegnon is already a starter at Liverpool come next season.

Several pundits have come in with criticism for Jurgen Klopp’s decision to not strengthen the defence even during January. Allowing a player like Mamadou Sakho to join Crystal Palace on a loan deal significantly depleted the club’s defensive options. Liverpool have the worst defensive record of all the teams in the top six in the Premier League, and this has been a major factor behind their inability to remain in the title race along with Chelsea.

Liverpool have been the best team offensively and scored the most number of goals (60). Yet, the club finds itself in the fourth place – jostling for the position along with Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United – largely as a result of the defensive record.

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