Why Wolves signing Harrison Webster is a good move for the future

As per a report from TEAMtalk (h/t Nottinghamshire Live), Premier League outfit Wolves are eyeing a summer move for Hartlepool United youngster Harrison Webster. The teenager is also a target for Leeds United and Nottingham Forest.

Webster is a product of the Hartlepool academy. The 17-year-old left-back is out of contract with the National League outfit this summer. While the club are expected to hold talks over a new deal, the report states that Webster is likely to be on the move this summer.

Wolves were first linked with Webster two years ago when he was 15 years old. The defender even had a trial at the club last season. The teenager apparently trained with Leeds United as well and has done enough to attract interest from a host of clubs. (h/t Nottinghamshire Live)

Wolves, meanwhile, have continued to go from strength to strength under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. Having finished 6th in their first season upon return to the Premier League, they are once again vying for a top-six finish. They are also still alive in the Europa League.

At the time of suspension, the Midlands outfit were 6th in the Premier League table, just five points off 4th-placed Chelsea. There is no denying that the club is heading in the right direction under Nuno, while playing good football as well. The club’s recruitment has also been quite impressive in recent windows, which has helped in their rise to prominence.

Amidst all this, Wolves should not ignore the importance of building for the future. And for them to have a supply line of footballers coming through the youth teams to the senior side, the club should also focus on youth recruitment.

Signing Hartlepool’s Webster would be a step in the right direction to that end. The 17-year-old may not be a well-known quantity but has seemingly done enough in his youth career to attract interest from so many clubs including the likes of Burnley, Leeds United and Sunderland among others.

Webster featured regularly during the pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 campaign for Hartlepool. Described as an attack-minded full-back, the 17-year-old is a regular for Ian McGulkin’s side. He has featured in the FA Youth Cup this season as well as the Durham Challenge Cup. But he is yet to make his league debut for Hartlepool.

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While Wolves have two exciting left-back options coming through the ranks in Lewis Richards and Hugo Bueno, adding another teenage talent would come good for them in the future.

Verdict

Harrison Webster is still a raw talent and is yet to make his first-team debut for Hartlepool. However, adding him to the youth ranks would serve Wolves well in the coming years. The 17-year-old is someone that the club has already taken a close look at, having given him a trial last season. They would stand to benefit from his signing in the long run if he fulfils his potential.