New Liverpool signing Will Wright came close to making an instant impression on fans just days after signing for the club.
The Premier League champions had officially announced Wright’s signing from League Two side Salford City earlier on Tuesday.
The Reds had confirmed the forward had already linked up with their U21s squad last week and made his debut for the team on the weekend.
Wright was given a 16-minute cameo in the second of Liverpool’s pre-season double header against Athletic Club on Monday, with the teenager coming on for Florian Wirtz.
The forward nearly marked his first Anfield appearance with a goal just 10 minutes later.
Wright skipped past a challenge inside Liverpool’s half, before feeding the ball to Federico Chiesa.
Will Wright nearly marked his first appearance at Anfield with a goal in Liverpool’s friendly
Wright, who joined the club from Salford City last week, nearly scored 10 minutes after coming on
Wright was handed a 16-minute cameo as Liverpool beat Athletic Club 3-2 in a friendly
After sprinting forward to offer Chiesa and option to his left, Wright received the Italian’s pass and attempted to bend the ball into the net.
The forward was ultimately denied by the Athletic Club goalkeeper’s foot, with the ball rebounding to safety.
Liverpool had beaten Premier League rivals to the signing of Wright, who made four senior appearances for Salford City last season.
Arsenal had agreed a £200,000 fee with Salford two weeks ago with a further £50,000 to follow across the season in achievable add-ons.
Talks had been progressing well with his representatives but Liverpool, who had led the initial race for the 17-year-old, came back in at the weekend and matched Arsenal’s offer.
Leeds United and Rangers also made late enquiries, as did Nottingham Forest, while City, though big admirers, have already committed sizeable funds to other youth signings.
Wright ultimately agreed terms on a three-year contract with Liverpool.
Wright has been prolific at youth level and in pre-season. He has made four senior appearances since coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup defeat by Manchester City in January.
His first Anfield appearance came as Liverpool beat Athletic Club 3-2 in their second pre-season friendly of the day, following a Mohamed Salah opener and Cody Gakpo brace.
Arne Slot’s side had earlier won 4-1 against the LaLiga side, with youngster Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez, Ben Doak and Harvey Elliott on target.
