'Messi-Like' Striker Signs Long-Term Deal With Liverpool

A Liverpool striker who was once likened to Lionel Messi is set to make his return to Anfield.

Following his sensational loan spell at Championship club Blackburn Rovers, Harvey Elliott is now back in Liverpool after signing a new long-term deal with the Reds, the club announced Friday.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Elliott opened up about the importance of returning to his “boyhood club” in his soaring career.

According to the 18-year-old, playing for Liverpool always brings out a lot of positive things in his life, and he’s hoping to stay with the club for a longer period of time.

“Hopefully it’s going to be a long time,” Elliott said after inking a new deal with Liverpool. “There’s always going to be those butterflies whenever you put on the [Liverpool] shirt, whenever you go out to train and play, whenever you’re involved in the club there’s always that feeling. Especially for me, being a Red, as well as my family – it’s nice to make them proud and make myself proud. But the hard work carries on.”

“It’s always a nice feeling when you sign a new contract – especially for your boyhood club,” he admitted. “It’s all done and dusted now so I’ve just got to focus on pre-season, get my work in and make sure I’m ready for the season.”

Despite being pleased to have reclaimed his spot in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, Elliott also pointed out that success is “not going to come easily.” However, the forward is confident about his dedication and the club’s support.

“I believe in myself that I can do it,” the striker stressed. “Ever since I first walked through the door they [the coaching staff] have showed [faith]. They show it with every single player; they always have faith in you.”

“They’re always giving you 100% on the training pitch and off the training pitch, always wanting you to be the best possible person and player,” he continued. “I feel like there’s a lot of faith in me. But it’s just down to me to go and show it and prove them right.”

Harvey Elliott is returning to Liverpool after a season-long loan spell at Championship club Blackburn Rovers. Photo: Getty Images / Matthew Ashton

This past season, Elliott played in 41 games in the Championship for the Rovers, notching seven goals and 11 assists in the process. His fine form didn’t go unnoticed as he was nominated for the EFL’s Young Player of the Season award.

Elliott’s stats at Championship were remarkable compared to his previous ones with Liverpool. However, he had already insisted earlier that his “main goal” is to get into Klopp’s squad once again.

What’s even more interesting is that Elliott was already been drawing attention since his Fulham days. In fact, he even earned comparisons to Messi at the time.