Liverpool Winger Sheyi Ojo Chooses Fulham

Young Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo’s chances at first team football would have been limited had he remained at Liverpool for the coming season. His options for the coming campaign were anything but, with no less than five finalists vying for the chance to take him on loan for the 2017-18 campaign.

Derby County, Birmingham City, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough, and Fulham—all Championship sides—were pushing hard to take the Liverpool youngster for the coming season. Premier League side Newcastle also wanted to take him, but with a purchase option Liverpool were unwilling to grant.

Two weeks ago, Ojo narrowed his choices down to Derby and Fulham, with a choice expected within a matter of days. It took him longer than that, but he has finally made his decision and will head to Fulham, who face Leeds United in the third game of their Championship season today.

Ojo won’t be involved for that match, but he could be ready to play a part for Fulham over the weekend when they host Sheffield Wednesday. Fulham’s first two games, against Reading and Norwich, have resulted in draws, and Ojo’s attacking threat from the wing is something the club look to need.

Last season, they finished sixth but failed to advance in the playoffs, and the goal this season is to push for one of the top two places in the Championship and with it earn promotion back to the Premier League. Ojo, meanwhile, is in need of regular minutes after suffering a back injury last season.

The young winger fractured his back during pre-season and didn’t return to training until late in November. When he did, progress was slow as he fought to regain full fitness, and when he eventually did see the pitch again he only managed to make two appearances, both in the FA Cup.

A loan to one of the Championship’s top sides, then, and a side that could use a goal scoring winger, seems a perfect fit for all involved.