Bournemouth complete shock £19m deal for Liverpool striker

Bournemouth have announced a shock deal for Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke.

Solanke was made available for transfer by Liverpool this month after failing to make any impact under Jurgen Klopp.

The 21-year-old was on the verge of joining Crystal Palace on loan this week but the Eagles sensationally pulled out of a deal owing to concerns about the striker’s fitness.

Bournemouth, who are also working on a deal for Liverpool right-back Nathaniel Clyne, have not only pounced on the situation but signed Solanke on a long-term deal after agreeing a reported £19m fee with Reds.

“I think the club is going somewhere,” Solanke told the club’s official website. “Over the past few years, they have been really good in the Premier League and had some good positional finishes as well. I think it’s a good club to be at, especially for someone of my age.

“I spoke with the manager this morning. He is a really nice guy. From playing and watching the Premier League, I know the sort of manager he is. I was excited to meet him and am really looking forward to working with him and seeing what he’s about.

“My main target is to score goals and, being a striker, hopefully I can get a few for the team and help the team get wins. Playing in the Premier League, every game is tough and together we can try to do as well as we can.”

Solanke’s move to Bournemouth coincides with Jermain Defoe’s impending loan move to Rangers, while Chelsea are also understood to be pursuing Callum Wilson.

Liverpool signed Solanke from Chelsea in the summer of 2017 on a free transfer before finally agreeing a fee, reportedly in the region of £10m, 12 months later.

Solanke did not made a single appearance for Liverpool this season and was injured for the entire festive period.

Gareth Southgate has previously expressed concerns about Solanke’s lack of playing time at Anfield and this move will no doubt delight the England manager.