Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has reaffirmed his belief that teenager Ryan Sessegnon should stay with the Championship club next season.
The 16-year-old has been subject to strong interest from Liverpool with Jurgen Klopp a reported admirer of a young man he views as a long-term replacement for James Milner at left-back.
“I am confident he will be a Fulham player. It not just depends on myself but depends on different sides too but I believe this is the right place for him,” Jokanovic told GetWestLondon.
“He is a young player and he needs to learn- he needs the minutes with us and I believe he is in the right place for building himself and to be ready for an important step that is in front of him.”
“In life it is normal to show ambition and want more things but I believe in this moment it is the right moment for him to stay with us and improve his promise.”
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Sessegnon has enjoyed an outstanding campaign so far, playing a key role in leading Fulham to a place in the play-offs.
Liverpool’s interest comes with a view for both Sessegnon himself and Trent Alexander-Arnold to become a dominant future full-back pairing in years to come. He represents a long-term solution and the ideal understudy to replace Alberto Moreno and, in turn, learn from Milner.
There seemingly remains to be a chance that a deal can be struck yet it is likely he could return on loan to his current club in order to gain more experience, especially if Fulham do earn promotion to England’s top flight.
Regardless of the hefty fee that will be required to buy him, it appears he would pose as wise business on Liverpool’s part.