Bournemouth's Nigeria-eligible striker opens up on his decision to leave Chelsea for Liverpool

Published: November 18, 2021

Bournemouth's Nigeria-eligible striker Dominic Solanke has opened up on his decision to leave Chelsea for Liverpool in the summer of 2017.

The 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup winner refused to sign a contract extension at Chelsea because of a lack of first team opportunities but his transfer to Anfield didn't exactly work out as planned.

Solanke was one of the most promising young players at Chelsea, playing an instrumental role as the club won the FA Youth Cup and UEFA Youth League in the 2014-2015 season and was named Academy Player of the Year.

After less than two years at Liverpool, the Anglo-Nigerian joined Bournemouth and his departure from the Reds was also linked to a lack of game time with only six starts in all competitions during his time with the club.

"My contract at Chelsea finished and I was just looking at my options. Liverpool came in," Solanke said to Goal.com.

"They’re such a big club and I knew they wanted to give young players opportunities. I think that’s what drove me to go there."

Solanke was behind Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in manager Jurgen Klopp's pecking order of strikers at Liverpool and found it difficult breaking into the starting lineup but gained experienced training alongside the African and Brazilian stars.

"Nothing’s a given in football and the front three when I was there were just phenomenal.

"I don’t think anyone would have got in ahead of them.

"I wasn’t as prolific as I am now, so that played a part as well, but it was always going to be difficult to break into a top team with quality players like that," Solanke added.

The 24-year-old Solanke has regained his mojo since Bournemouth were relegated from the Premier League, mustering 28 goals and assisting 12 others in 57 Championship matches.

Igho Kingsley

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