Harvey Blair, a promising academy winger, has bid farewell to Liverpool after nine years at the club. Despite only making one senior appearance for the Reds, Blair had been training regularly with the first team during pre-season. However, both the player and the club agreed to a deal with Championship side Portsmouth.
Portsmouth has paid an initial fee of £300,000 for the 20-year-old, with the potential for the deal to rise to £600,000. Liverpool has also secured a 20 percent sell-on clause, ensuring they would receive a percentage of any future transfer fee involving Blair.
Blair’s solitary senior appearance came in the Carabao Cup fourth-round clash against Preston in October 2021. At just 18 years old at the time, he started on the right wing, accompanied by Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi in the attacking lineup under Jurgen Klopp.
Unfortunately, Blair’s Liverpool career was plagued by a string of injuries, which hindered his opportunities for first-team action. Loan moves were ruled out last season due to his fitness concerns. However, Portsmouth has seen enough potential in Blair to bring him into their squad for the 2024/25 season.
This marks Portsmouth’s return to the Championship after a lengthy absence since the 2011/12 season. They earned automatic promotion last season and have started the new campaign with two draws from their opening matches. Manager John Mousinho has a reputation for valuing young players and providing them with opportunities, which likely appealed to Blair.
Furthermore, Portsmouth is currently grappling with several injuries in their attacking department. This presents Blair with an excellent chance to make an immediate impact at Fratton Park. His signing aligns with Mousinho’s strategy of nurturing and developing young talents within the squad.
Despite his departure from Liverpool, Blair expressed his gratitude and love for the club on social media. He mentioned that wearing the red shirt and playing for the first team had always been a dream come true for him. Blair thanked Liverpool FC for the memories, lessons, and unwavering support he received during his time there. Now, he is excited to embark on the next chapter of his career.
Blair joins a growing list of players who have left Liverpool on permanent transfers this summer. Bobby Clark, Fabio Carvalho, and Sepp van den Berg are among those who have moved on to new clubs. As the young winger begins his journey with Portsmouth, Liverpool wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.