Liverpool will make big profit on rarely-seen recent signing, claims pundit
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor believes that Liverpool will make a sizeable profit on Ben Davies if he does not come to feature in their long-term plans.
Davies moved to Liverpool on January’s transfer deadline day, but has yet to make his debut.
In fact, he has only made the bench four times in the 10 games since his arrival from Preston.
As such, Klopp has spoken of his faith in the 25-year-old. The manager insisted that it will take “as long as it takes” for him to adapt to the Reds’ style.
He also compared Davies’ situation to that of Andy Robertson. Liverpool’s star left-back also signed from a then-Championship club – Hull – in 2017 and took several months to adapt.
Davies, meanwhile, signed a four-year contract and it remains unclear for now what his Anfield future holds.
However, ex-Preston man Mellor has insisted that Liverpool will make a profit on him if they decide to sell.
“I’ve watched a lot of Championship football as well as Preston games with Ben and he’s one of the best defenders in the Championship,” Mellor told the Liverpool Echo.
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“He’s played a lot of games, I think it is something like 250 now, so he has been allowed to develop and mature and he’s a very, very good defender.
“So if you’re looking at players like Nat Phillips, who I think have done very well, they are still making mistakes, whereas someone like Ben has made mistakes, learned and matured.
“And like I say that has helped him develop into one of the best in the Championship and he deserves a go in the Premier League.”
Davies could earn Liverpool big profit
“For me, he is a player that I have always believed can play in the Premier League and I am absolutely delighted he is going to get that opportunity and now it is up to him to take it,” Mellor added.
“This kid can play for England if he really grasps it.
“He is not someone who was a stop-gap, he could potentially, long-term, be the answer and that is up to him.
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“If he’s not, then Liverpool will make a lot of money on him because he is a lot closer to a £20million defender than a £2m one.”
While Davies has earned a place on the bench this term, next season will inevitably pose new challenges.
Liverpool have all three senior centre-halves, including Virgil van Dijk, to welcome back from injury.
READ MORE: Reliable source gives insight into Klopp’s Liverpool transfer plans