Bristol Rovers are set to fight it out with League One champions Plymouth Argyle and Scottish duo Kilmarnock and St Mirren for the signature of recently-released Oludare Olufunwa, according to Football Insider.
The 21-year-old will be a free agent this summer after Premier League giants Liverpool confirmed that he would be released at the end of the month, only one year after joining from Southampton. A highly rated defender during his time on the south coast, his availability has alerted the interest of Joey Barton, who is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the coming season.
Rovers finished 17th in League One last season and numbers will be needed in order to improve on that position next season. However, no signings have yet been made at the Memorial Stadium and Barton will be keen to address that situation sooner rather than later.
Who Is Oludare Olufunwa?
Having rose through the academy at Southampton, the versatile defender was released at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. He landed himself a trial at Liverpool last summer and impressed during pre-season outings for the under-21 team before being snapped up on a permanent deal to offer cover to the squad following the loan departures of Rhys Williams and Billy Koumetio.
Although not viewed as a signing for the first team, Olufunwa was brought in to bolster the six-time European champions’ under-21 squad. He made two appearances in last season’s EFL trophy, starting in the losses against Salford City and Rochdale. However, chances in Liverpool’s development squad were few and far between and he made just three Premier League 2 starts last season.
Despite approaching his 22nd birthday, he has yet to taste regular senior football, although his release from Anfield looks to have opened up an opportunity to kickstart his career.
What Has Been Said?
According to Football Insider, there are currently four teams willing to take a chance on the youngster. Headed up by Championship new-boys Plymouth Argyle, Bristol Rovers will be hoping that League One football will provide the more attractive proposition.
There is also interest from north of the border from Kilmarnock and St Mirren, with the former looking to bolster their squad following a disappointing season in the Scottish Premiership.
Writer’s View
Oludare Olufunwa is a bit of an unknown entity due to his lack of senior football but is a risk worth taking. There is clearly a talented player there, evident from the fact that Liverpool saw enough in him less than 12 months ago to offer him a contract following an impressive trial.
On the face of it, Plymouth looks an attractive move for the defender, but he must consider where he will get the best opportunity at this stage of his career. The Championship is an exceptionally tough league, and he may be best dropping down into League One in search of regular playing time.
Bristol Rovers could offer just that, particularly in the early stages of the season, whereas Plymouth would probably consider him a player that needs time to bed in.
