Liverpool is betting everything on youth: competition for academy talent greater than ever

The progression from Liverpool's youth academy to the first team is more difficult than ever, reports academy director Alex Inglethorpe. Due to the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union, clubs such as Liverpool have no longer been able to attract under 18-year-olds from abroad since 2021. The focus is now entirely on recruiting, retaining and developing local talent.

Teenagers are increasingly being poached at a young age, often with high financial rewards. For example, in February Liverpool had to pay more than £2.8 million to Chelsea (rising to £6.8 million with bonuses) for the arrival of prodigy Rio Ngumoha (now 17). However, Ngumoha's impact on Anfield is so great that the amount is seen as a good investment. At the same time, it remains a risk: "You have to be careful not to pay too much for youth, of whom you are not sure whether they will make it to the first team," warns Inglethorpe.

Liverpool recently signed winger Josh Abe, despite attempts by rival clubs to tempt him with salaries of up to £50,000 a week. After discussions with the club management and his family, Abe opted for a future at the Liverpool Academy.

Transfers and investments Several promising talents are being added to the youth academy, including striker Michael Mulholland, defender Dara Jikiemi (Celtic) and goalkeeper Zach Trinder (Wolverhampton). At the same time, there is fear of losing players such as Isaac Konde and Vincent Joseph to competitors; their names were not on the recently presented list of new scholars.

Due to Brexit, attracting young talents from the Netherlands, for example - as previously with players such as Bobby Adekanye and Ki-Jana Hoever - is no longer possible; the pond from which clubs fish is smaller and more expensive.


Despite these restrictions, there are still foreign talents who join at the age of 18. Liverpool recently signed Mor Talla Ndiaye (Senegal, £1m) and Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Austria, £2.5m). Colombian midfielder Samuel Martinez will follow when he turns eighteen.

Breakthrough and injuries Ngumoha was the name of last season, impressing with a winning goal on his debut against Newcastle and making 29 appearances. His development was rewarded with selection for the English World Cup pre-selection and nomination for the best young player award. Trey Nyoni also made an appearance with 14 matches, while injuries threw a spanner in the works for Jayden Danns and Conor Bradley.

Behind the scenes, Liverpool hopes to maintain its local character. Great hopes are placed on 15-year-old Luca Eden, who has already made his debut with the Under 18s. Josh Abe, recently number 40 and in America during the preparation next season, is also seen as a potential crowd favorite.

Performance by age category Although the performance of senior youth teams last season was mediocre in terms of ranking (including seventh in Premier League 2, eighth Under 18), there was a lot of success among the younger groups. For example, the Under 13s won the Virgil van Dijk Legacy Trophy in the Netherlands.

Academy in transition Liverpool is investing £20 million in renovating its youth complex, including a new indoor pitch. The club recently earned more than 100 million from transfers of youth players, including Alexander-Arnoldand Kelleher.

Next summer, the youth will have the opportunity to prove themselves again during the preparation, partly through the World Cup. An excellent moment to launch a new class and strengthen the connection between the youth academy and the first team.