Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool deal for Chelsea forward HIJACKED at 11th hour by Manchester City

It was reported last week that Liverpool were set to beat Arsenal and Manchester City to the signing of Ryan McAidoo, a hugely talented midfielder-cum-attacker primed to leave Chelsea’s academy this summer. 

McAidoo, who has only just turned 16, featured at under-18 Premier League level for the Blues last season, playing four times in total.

He has opted to leave Stamford Bridge this summer for pastures new and a few weeks ago Fabrizio Romano claimed it was Arsenal who had made the best offer for the youngster.

“Arsenal made proposal and they are currently leading the race to sign Ryan McAidoo, 2008 born talented forward,” the transfer supremo wrote on X, formerly Twitter, earlier in June. 

“He’s expected to leave Chelsea this summer; best project proposal so far came from Arsenal. McAidoo played for England U16 and U17 this season.”

It then appeared as though Liverpool would land a significant transfer blow on the Gunners as well as City by clinching a deal for England under-17 international McAidoo.

However, the Reds are now reported to have lost out on McAidoo, with the move being hijacked at the 11th hour by City. 

“EXCLUSIVE: Ryan McAidoo leaves Chelsea and he’s set to join Manchester City, here we go!,” Fabrizio Romano wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“2008 born talented forward decides to join City, deal hijacked after proposals from other Premier League top clubs. Deal in place and huge talent for #MCFC Academy.”

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The winger signed for the PLG agency earlier this year, which is run by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brother, Tyler. It also boasts fellow Reds Andy Robertson and Nat Phillips as clients. 

He has also played in midfield for the Chelsea youth sides and won two under-17 caps back in March, against Northern Ireland and Hungary in UEFA Euro under-17 Championship qualification matches. McAidoo, however, was not called up for the final squad.

He won silverware with the Blues last season, earning the Premier League under-17 cup against Wolves in the final back in April.

McAidoo is a left-footed attacker blessed with great dribbling technique and is dangerous in and around the opposition penalty area. He is capable of playing centrally, looking for one-twos and uses his electric speed and close control to go past markers.