Harry Wilson always seemed to be thought highly of by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who waxed lyrical over the young talent when he embarked on a loan spell with Bournemouth in the summer of 2019.
Back then, Klopp was asked whether he thought Wilson could have a career at Anfield and his answer was emphatic - suggesting he'd made something of a mistake letting him leave on loan.
"Of course he can [succeed at Liverpool]. That's why we loaned him, so he can make the steps," Klopp explained. "It would have been difficult for Harry and I would have loved to have had him here if we had another choice, especially when Shaq [Xherdan Shaqiri] was injured."
Klopp even discussed how pleased he was that at the time, Wilson was ineligible to feature against the Reds. "I am happy he cannot play against us, to be honest, each free-kick is a proper threat.
"But we were never in doubt about Harry's shooting abilities, his skills in that part of the game are incredible – world-class, for sure. But Harry is at Bournemouth to improve all the rest of his game as well, so being involved, being decisive, being between the lines, using his speed, all that stuff."
Improve is exactly what Wilson did, but unfortunately not enough in the eyes of the Liverpool hierarchy for them to try and keep him around. Instead, another loan spell - this with Cardiff followed before the Reds cashed in on the midfielder and sanctioned his departure to Fulham for a fee of £12million last year.
The Wales international is yet to feature for Marco Silva's side this season after he picked up a serious knee injury during a behind-closed-doors friendly before the campaign started.
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However, Klopp and co. clearly felt Wilson still possessed the kind of talent that could one day see him make Liverpool more money as they inserted a 15 per cent sell-on clause in the deal with the Cottagers.
It may also represent some degree of regret that the Reds, famed for their ability to sell high, let Wilson go for a relatively low fee.
The switch marked the end of Wilson's 16-year stay at Liverpool, but how they could have done with him at times even when their current options in midfield were fit.
Wilson boasts the ability to contribute goals from midfield, something this Liverpool side lack, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago Alcantara, Fabinho and Naby Keita all notably shy when it comes to finding the back of the net.
