Topic: Youth and Under 23 Thread

[Chris~]

Apparently we've signed two unnamed kids from Sunderland. Sunderland's chairman Stewart Donald revealed it on the Roker Report podcast

We signed one last summer as well. Think they're getting picked apart by a few clubs, always the problem for clubs lower down who put together good youth sides

[Dim Glas]

Sign or bugger off?

Their contracts expire end of this month, but Liverpool want to keep them. So it's their call! Sign, or leave and go to another club.

[rafathegaffa83]

Sign or bugger off?

I find it interesting we've offered Adekanye one given it's publicly intimated that he wants out with various links to clubs in Italy/Spain

[Chris~]

I find it interesting we've offered Adekanye one given it's publicly intimated that he wants out with various links to clubs in Italy/Spain

Sometimes it's just to gurantee we get money from clubs they end up signing for

[Escorcio]

I find it interesting we've offered Adekanye one given it's publicly intimated that he wants out with various links to clubs in Italy/Spain

Means we’ll get compensation if he signs elsewhere

[ElPayaso]

Apparently we've signed two unnamed kids from Sunderland. Sunderland's chairman Stewart Donald revealed it on the Roker Report podcast

There were talks of Luca Stephenson earlier this season.

[rafathegaffa83]

Means we’ll get compensation if he signs elsewhere

Ah thought so

[phil236849]

I suppose we don't know whether the "contract 5" - Bobby Adekanye, Daniel Atherton, George Johnston, Abdi Sharif and Edvard Tagseth - are all looking to leave or whether some of them may have been offered contracts late with this deadline approaching...

[HopefulRed]

I suppose we don't know whether the "contract 5" - Bobby Adekanye, Daniel Atherton, George Johnston, Abdi Sharif and Edvard Tagseth - are all looking to leave or whether some of them may have been offered contracts late with this deadline approaching...

I’ve read before that decisions are made tend to be made by March.   I think we first heard Bobby was refusing to sign before that.  So I imagine they were all offered a while back but either have no intention of signing or are keeping their options open.  Coming through our academy has become harder for sure and the waste of promising early talent, eg Masterson, is going to impact on others’ decisions.  When you look at some of those we released (not contract offered) from our academy a few years ago, some have made it to regular first team football elsewhere in the lower leagues by still developing at academy age elsewhere.  Leave it too late with little football in the wretched U21s system and the chances of success seem to fall, perhaps because they become to used to playing technical football the ‘right way’.

[HopefulRed]

I see that Diego Lattie, briefly LFC and capped for England at U16, having been released by Man City, has been released by Wolves.  And Marley Blair, also briefly of LFC, has been released by Burnley.   It’s a tough game for kids with dreams

[dakid]

I’ve read before that decisions are made tend to be made by March.   I think we first heard Bobby was refusing to sign before that.  So I imagine they were all offered a while back but either have no intention of signing or are keeping their options open.  Coming through our academy has become harder for sure and the waste of promising early talent, eg Masterson, is going to impact on others’ decisions.  When you look at some of those we released (not contract offered) from our academy a few years ago, some have made it to regular first team football elsewhere in the lower leagues by still developing at academy age elsewhere.  Leave it too late with little football in the wretched U21s system and the chances of success seem to fall, perhaps because they become to used to playing technical football the ‘right way’.

When did Masterson ever look a promising talent?

[dakid]

I suppose we don't know whether the "contract 5" - Bobby Adekanye, Daniel Atherton, George Johnston, Abdi Sharif and Edvard Tagseth - are all looking to leave or whether some of them may have been offered contracts late with this deadline approaching...

Tagseth said in the media in his home country in April he was leaving.

[Too early for flapjacks?]

Bit surprised Tagseth is off. I wonder if Gerrard might offer him a contract up at Rangers.

[phil236849]

Tagseth said in the media in his home country in April he was leaving.

Yes we know a bit about Tagseth, the position with Johnston, Sharif and Atherton is less clear

[duvva 💅]

Looks like we can’t get enough of this silverware stuff now we’ve won one.

Paul Joyce tweeted that us and United are entering the Checkatrade Trophy next season. From a quick google it seems we were the only “top six” sides holding out. Sounds as though it’ll be an U21 side we field.

Presuming as it’s June the 8th this isn’t an April fool.

Wasn’t sure where to post this if I’m honest, but didn’t think it deserved it’s own thread. This seemed the most appropriate place as it’s likely to be players from the u23 and u18s who most likely play in it.

[dudleyred]

Looks like we can’t get enough of this silverware stuff now we’ve won one.

Paul Joyce tweeted that us and United are entering the Checkatrade Trophy next season. From a quick google it seems we were the only “top six” sides holding out. Sounds as though it’ll be an U21 side we field.

Presuming as it’s June the 8th this isn’t an April fool.

Wasn’t sure where to post this if I’m honest, but didn’t think it deserved it’s own thread. This seemed the most appropriate place as it’s likely to be players from the u23 and u18s who most likely play in it.

Pleased with that

Games against proper teams can only help their development

[PhiLFC#1]

It's something that's been happening since the 16-17 season, 16 under 21 teams from Premier and Championship, Don't like it myself, taking the chances away from a lower league team of winning a trophy

[mc_red22]

Looks like we can’t get enough of this silverware stuff now we’ve won one.

Paul Joyce tweeted that us and United are entering the Checkatrade Trophy next season. From a quick google it seems we were the only “top six” sides holding out. Sounds as though it’ll be an U21 side we field.

Presuming as it’s June the 8th this isn’t an April fool.

Wasn’t sure where to post this if I’m honest, but didn’t think it deserved it’s own thread. This seemed the most appropriate place as it’s likely to be players from the u23 and u18s who most likely play in it.

Prem clubs can only play u23 players anyway.

[Asam]

Once Klopp comes back from his well earned break, plans will inevitably turn to the pre-season. I am wondering who has a good chance of making the pre-season tour. The African players may still be away or at least on their hols, which youngsters will make the cut this season. There has been some good performances at both under 18's and the under 23's who does everyone want to see on the tour?

Jones
Larouchi
Ki Joever
Glatzel

Very keen for Glatzel and aik Joever to go in particular

[rafathegaffa83]

Looks like we've definitely signed Jakub Ojrzynski based off his Instagram. Polish media seem to suggest price is at least £200,000

https://www.instagram.com/p/BydROxUixmp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

[reddebs]

Season's review.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/academy/353062-alex-inglethorpe-liverpool-academy-season-review

[HopefulRed]

Neil Jones, ex of the Echo, suggests Awoniyi and Arroyo will train with the first team during pre-season

https://www.goal.com/en/news/liverpool-receive-three-bundesliga-approaches-for-25m-rated/gzbddl4xgm7l138fglxnc4m0m

[gerrardisgod]

I see Steve Cooper’s getting the Swansea job, possible other connection for loans.

[No666]

Ojo going to Rangers on loan.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/sheyi-ojo-agrees-rangers-loan-16497217

[Chris~]

Ojo going to Rangers on loan.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/sheyi-ojo-agrees-rangers-loan-16497217

I give it under 5 games before their fans turn on him for 'lack of effort' due to his laid back approach

[Suareznumber7]

Should be a league where he can excel.  Really needs to kick on after a couple of less then stellar loans. 

[ScottishGoon]

I give it under 5 games before their fans turn on him for 'lack of effort' due to his laid back approach

What type of player is he, best position etc?

Talk seems that we (Rangers) have a good chance of getting Kent for another year on loan as well. He became a bit of a cult hero at Rangers last season, & became an important player for us. Would be good to get him back, & for hopefully him to improve his goals & assists from last season now the team is more settled, as the talent is there.

[mallin9]

Ojo is great at carrying the ball, good winger who has had some disappointing loan spells lately.

[HopefulRed]

I’ve always thought he’s a bit like Ibe.  Great physicality and really fast.   Can score really powerful strikes (with left peg) but also like Ibe, flatters to deceive on end product.  Maybe makes wrong decisions but doesn’t score as much as he should

[mallin9]

I’ve always thought he’s a bit like Ibe.  Great physicality and really fast.   Can score really powerful strikes (with left peg) but also like Ibe, flatters to deceive on end product.  Maybe makes wrong decisions but doesn’t score as much as he should

Think this is right.  Also think Ibe would flourish in the spl, excited to see what Ojo does

[Too early for flapjacks?]

In terms of natural ability and attributes for me Ojo is a top 10 PL player and superior than the likes of Kent and Wilson. He’s a good athlete with pace, strength, height and athleticism. Good technique, sweet left footed, can spot a pass, has skill and is a good finisher.

I just don’t think he really believes in himself nearly as much as he should. If someone could light a fire in his belly and get him playing with his chest puffed out rather than with his chin in his chest he’d be a really good player. In all honesty, I don’t think he’d fancy playing on the shitty pitches in Scotland and getting lumps kicked out of him, but ability wise he's better than Kent..

As someone said above, I can see the fans turning on him if he isn't scoring/creating goals as he has a very laid back style on the pitch which could be mistaken for lazy.

[NsRed]

Anyone know when we can expect to see a list of new first-year scholars in the academy? Always curious to see who will be taking the step up to the u18s. This year could be particularly interesting, as I think we'll see a lot of the FA youth cup winners take the step up to u23 level.
With so many u23 players off to find new opportunities, could be a year of significant change in the two main academy squads.

[HopefulRed]

Anyone know when we can expect to see a list of new first-year scholars in the academy? Always curious to see who will be taking the step up to the u18s. This year could be particularly interesting, as I think we'll see a lot of the FA youth cup winners take the step up to u23 level.
With so many u23 players off to find new opportunities, could be a year of significant change in the two main academy squads.

No idea when.  It is usually a bit after they return for pre-season and some way through playing their first few friendlies.   But you’re right, it is potentially a huge cohort of second year U18s moving up: Boyes; Clayton; Dixon-B; Duncan; Glatzel; Jaros; Larouci; Longstaff; Raitanen; Sharif; Tagseth; Alex Turner; Varesanovic; Neco Williams; Rhys Williams; winterbottom. 

Even assuming Raitanen (barely played), Turner and Varesanovic (never seen play) are not offered contracts, you can understand why some of the others listed as ‘contract offered’ are unlikely to sign.

Who joins the U18s in the new season?  Well those LFC have bought recently, ie 2 from Sunderland one of which must be Luca Stephenson, Billy Koumetio, a CB bought from France in January, and the new Polish Goalie.   Now there seems to be less mention of those under 16 in any thread anywhere (probably a very good thing), it’s difficult to know who is progressing through the ranks unless you are family of friends of the boys.  But I’ve seen mention of a couple with Eng U16s caps, namely James Norris and Jarell Quansah.  Then there were those names in the U19 Ueafa champions League squad last season from the U16s, but can’t find that list anymore. 

[accyred]

Think that fa youth cup squad will test themselves in the checkatrade trophy With Liverpool entering an u21 team this season.

The competition is pants but will be a test against physical, strong football league sides.

[Peabee]

It's something that's been happening since the 16-17 season, 16 under 21 teams from Premier and Championship, Don't like it myself, taking the chances away from a lower league team of winning a trophy

Yeah, it’s ridiculous. Why should the lower leagues reduce their chances of a Wembley trip and trophy to help PL clubs with competitive football for their academies? Chelsea have already made the semis, so they would have knocked a few clubs out along the way. I’d like to think the league one, and below, clubs are gaining financially from the arrangement?

[gerrardisgod]

Grabara playing in the Euro U21’s on Sky atm.

[Peabee]

Looks like we've definitely signed Jakub Ojrzynski based off his Instagram. Polish media seem to suggest price is at least £200,000

https://www.instagram.com/p/BydROxUixmp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

This was announced back in May. Juventus and United also tried to sign him. Must be highly rated.
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liverpool-clinch-transfer-deal-polish-16314607

[Chris~]

I think the sunderland players we just signed will be club u15s. Luca stephenson we signed from last year and us seperate to those 2. Also apparently we've agreed to send some academy players on loan there as part  of those deals.

[LovelyCushionedHeader]

Yeah, it’s ridiculous. Why should the lower leagues reduce their chances of a Wembley trip and trophy to help PL clubs with competitive football for their academies? Chelsea have already made the semis, so they would have knocked a few clubs out along the way. I’d like to think the league one, and below, clubs are gaining financially from the arrangement?

Very few league clubs were taking the competition seriously anyway so the change was as much to try and get them more interested as it was to try and satisfy bigger clubs. If youre going for promotion or battling relegation then this competition is the last thing you care about.

Not saying it's a good thing, but last season you had Sunderland vs Newcastle u21s and Port Vale vs Stoke u21s which were the most high profile games the competition has seen for years and drew attention to it that it hasn't received for a long time.

[HopefulRed]

I think the sunderland players we just signed will be club u15s. Luca stephenson we signed from last year and us seperate to those 2. Also apparently we've agreed to send some academy players on loan there as part  of those deals.

Now that is interesting, and you’re obviously well informed.  I wonder is that was behind the sudden announcement by Sunderland  of Liam Miller signing for them last Summer?  Then the signing was off. 
Good if a couple of our go there on loan as with our numbers, they they’re more likely to get some game time there.  No slur on their academy intended.  It is surely better than their league position suggests.