Topic: Youth and Under 23 Thread

[Chris~]

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.

I just read the loan bit in the chronicle haha. Their owner seems to have mentioned it a fan podcast


https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/six-youngsters-sunderland-could-sign-16400174.amp

Their acdemy is certainly good enough to produce players at league one level, assuming top clubs dont keep all their decent ones.

[accyred]

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?

Don’t quote me 100% but I think I read they get 10Kfor every game they win in the group and then 100K every round they progress (or something along those lines) plus the small amount they’ll make from tickets etc

[NsRed]

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.

Interesting note on the u16 internationals, wouldn’t have known that myself. Have to keep an eye out for their names popping up. I do imagine a significant amount of movement will happen so they could get a chance to shine for the u18s this coming year.

Excited to see the Stephenson lad also, seemed like that was regarded as a bit of a coup last year when we signed him.

[anfieldpurch]

Probably now a bit older for this thread but Sheyi Ojo is having a medical with Rangers today with a view to another loan

[HopefulRed]

The LFC website has Meet the Academy: Matteo Ritaccio article, which tends to suggest he is not leaving after one season here, which was previously suggested in one list of those going, I think by the Echo.  Bravo.  He looked a neat, technical player, just struggle to get some game time last season. 

[Schmidt]

I don't get the Ibe/Ojo comparison, Ojo has much better movement and positioning and always looked like a potentially much more productive player. I don't think the series of loans and injuries have helped, plus he's not a super hard worker which is a must for a youngster trying to impress Klopp.

[g1norris]

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.

My 8 year old will love seeing someone with his name playing for Liverpool if James Norris makes it into the under 18's.

[HopefulRed]

As suggested by others before, at least elsewhere if not here, Patrick Raitanen has left.   He wasn’t on the released list but presumably decided he’d have more of a chance of playing abroad.

[NsRed]

LFC have signed a young Northern Irishman, Conor Bradley. Will join up in July when he turns 16. He's described as a winger with "blinding pace, mesmerizing skill and an eye for goal" by the Ulster Herald.

We are also linked with Rekeem Harper of WBA. 19 yo central midfielder who is soon to be out of contract.

[Chris~]

Harper looked really good the couple times I've seen him but don't think it'd good for him to join us at this time.

[Djozer]

LFC have signed a young Northern Irishman, Conor Bradley. Will join up in July when he turns 16. He's described as a winger with "blinding pace, mesmerizing skill and an eye for goal" by the Ulster Herald.

We are also linked with Rekeem Harper of WBA. 19 yo central midfielder who is soon to be out of contract.

Sounds like he could be a future Ballon D'or winner, going by that. Or standard newspaper hyperbole. Hopefully the former.

[IanZG]

Harper looked really good the couple times I've seen him but don't think it'd good for him to join us at this time.

Possibly a Kevin Stewart type of signing, a player out of contract in a position where our U23 squad is short of players at.

[NsRed]

Sounds like he could be a future Ballon D'or winner, going by that. Or standard newspaper hyperbole. Hopefully the former.

The article definitely sounded like it was dictated by his mum lol. Always exciting to see new youngsters arrive nonetheless.

[NsRed]

Possibly a Kevin Stewart type of signing, a player out of contract in a position where our U23 squad is short of players at.

A much more highly rated youngster than Stewart was though, to be fair. Will be interesting to see if he thinks he can get immediate first team minutes elsewhere or decides to play the long game with us. His other "links" are to clubs like Spurs and Juve- so either his agent is just trying to attach his name to the big boys, or hes not making too many demands for first team football just yet.

[Djozer]

The article definitely sounded like it was dictated by his mum lol. Always exciting to see new youngsters arrive nonetheless.

Definitely mate, I always enjoy when we sign youth players too. Especially when they sound like the bestest things ever.

In all seriousness, I do sometimes think it's an area we could be focusing on a little bit more. I wonder whether our current policy of not offering the big bucks to youngsters is hampering our ability to sign the very best youth players around. Would be a shame if so, but maybe it's for the best.

[NsRed]

Definitely mate, I always enjoy when we sign youth players too. Especially when they sound like the bestest things ever.

In all seriousness, I do sometimes think it's an area we could be focusing on a little bit more. I wonder whether our current policy of not offering the big bucks to youngsters is hampering our ability to sign the very best youth players around. Would be a shame if so, but maybe it's for the best.

I think it's partly an issue with the youth setups in England as well. Such a massive gap between the u23 level and first team football, which is why I think we are seeing more kids going abroad now. I'm not sure what the solution to this is, but with very few teams in the top half of the table consistently bedding in their top youngsters, you can see why more might be hesitant to sign up.

On the bright side, the article on the Bradley lad mentions that he's been training sporadically with LFC for the past year, and even went on that trip to Germany with them when they won the indoor tourney. That at least speaks to our dedication to finding these potential gems early on.

[Chris~]

Possibly a Kevin Stewart type of signing, a player out of contract in a position where our U23 squad is short of players at.

Hes a lot better than stewart was and was already getting decent minutes in the championship. Wouldn't make sense to sign to play for our u23s  when he could play at a much higher level now.

[Sinyoro]

Hes a lot better than stewart was and was already getting decent minutes in the championship. Wouldn't make sense to sign to play for our u23s  when he could play at a much higher level now.

Maybe the club will just loan him to a better team? Win, win for all concerned really.

[Fairytale of 2005]

I think it's partly an issue with the youth setups in England as well. Such a massive gap between the u23 level and first team football, which is why I think we are seeing more kids going abroad now. I'm not sure what the solution to this is, but with very few teams in the top half of the table consistently bedding in their top youngsters, you can see why more might be hesitant to sign up.

On the bright side, the article on the Bradley lad mentions that he's been training sporadically with LFC for the past year, and even went on that trip to Germany with them when they won the indoor tourney. That at least speaks to our dedication to finding these potential gems early on.

Another problem that comes from there being too much at stake in the PL. That and the fact that you can lose 1 game all season and still not be champions. The PL is so short sighted.

[phil236849]

I see Abdi Sharif has now signed his first professional contract, so he is staying.  On the official site if you don't believe me!

[xbugawugax]

our coaches must see something special in abdi to get him to sign on the dotted line.

any idea what kind of midfielder he is?

[phil236849]

our coaches must see something special in abdi to get him to sign on the dotted line.

any idea what kind of midfielder he is?

My impression is he is closest to Hendo.  Good running power, some ability on the ball, just keeps going
He seems one of those "handy" players.  One of those midfielders who can do a bit of everything but doesn't have one outstanding attribute.  But that's my take from limited viewing, others might know more

[Boaty McBoatface]

Camacho officially gone.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/354846-rafael-camacho-completes-transfer-to-sporting-cp

[thisyearisouryear]

What happened with Camacho? I thought he had a bright future here.

[Redman78]

Camacho officially gone.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/354846-rafael-camacho-completes-transfer-to-sporting-cp

Apparently we negotiated a 20% sell on as well as a buy back clause.

[Chris~]

What happened with Camacho? I thought he had a bright future here.

He was never going to get any real playing time here and wanted out. I never really got where all the hype came from, he wasnt as good as good as ojo/kent/canos/wilson were for the academy and they've all struggled to get near the first team. He was also never a right back so it was odd he was with the first team as cover for there.

[TepidT2O]

What happened with Camacho? I thought he had a bright future here.

We wanted to give him game time at right back.

He only wants to play as a forward.  So he chose to move on.

Amicable agreement I reckon

[Fordy]

Camacho officially gone.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/354846-rafael-camacho-completes-transfer-to-sporting-cp

Shame but he wanted to play as a forward instead of RB but should of waited because we do need cover for our front 3 and he could of been that.

Great deal though for us considering he has 1 year left on his contract plus we get 20% sell on and have buy back on him plus we might have first pick to sign Bruno.

[sms1986]

Camacho officially gone.

https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/354846-rafael-camacho-completes-transfer-to-sporting-cp

Good luck to him!

[rocco]

Best of luck , feel we’ve let a good one slip away

[The Naby Keita fan club]

Hi lads, anyone seeing Taiwo Awoniyi enough to give a proper scout report of this guy and what type of forward he is? Still any chance he will make it to the first team of LFC? cheers

[Too early for flapjacks?]

Hi lads, anyone seeing Taiwo Awoniyi enough to give a proper scout report of this guy and what type of forward he is? Still any chance he will make it to the first team of LFC? cheers

Even if Klopp rates him I'd imagine he's some way off being able to get a work permit. I've never seen him play.

[The Naby Keita fan club]

Even if Klopp rates him I'd imagine he's some way off being able to get a work permit. I've never seen him play.

I believe he has Belgium passport already, should be easy for Klopp. If he rates him. Scored 12 and assisted 6 in the belgium top division, he looks more technical version of Origi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XEKkDYHQio

[NsRed]

Anyone heard anything about us signing a Fulham youngster, Harvey Elliot? Seems to be doing the rounds on Twitter because of some instagram goodbye he posted? Not the most concrete of links, I grant you, but interesting nonetheless. Made his PL debut this past season as a 16 year old so is clearly highly rated.

[Coolie High]

Haven't watched him, but based on hype alone he is supposed to be a Sancho level talent and quite easily one of the best talents in this country, we haven't made a domestic youth signing like this since Sterling, It's very exciting if we do get him.

[CraigDS]

Haven't watched him, but based on hype alone he is supposed to be a Sancho level talent and quite easily one of the best talents in this country, we haven't made a domestic youth signing like this since Sterling, It's very exciting if we do get him.

Gomez?

[NsRed]

Haven't watched him, but based on hype alone he is supposed to be a Sancho level talent and quite easily one of the best talents in this country, we haven't made a domestic youth signing like this since Sterling, It's very exciting if we do get him.

Very interesting, I assumed he was a big prospect as he was given his debut this season. Wasn't aware that he is seen as a Sancho-level talent though. That would indeed be a big deal if he comes to us. Surprised it's still so hush-hush, but I suppose if he's still only 16 it wouldn't be highly advertised.

[DanA]

Any ideas on whose coming on the pre-season trip? Should be room for a couple of young fullbacks given the squad as well as some young forwards given Copa/Afcon

[Maldini]

Anyone heard anything about us signing a Fulham youngster, Harvey Elliot? Seems to be doing the rounds on Twitter because of some instagram goodbye he posted? Not the most concrete of links, I grant you, but interesting nonetheless. Made his PL debut this past season as a 16 year old so is clearly highly rated.

Rob Gutmann on TAW said someone who'd know told him we were getting him the other day.

In other news Masterson has signed a two year deal with QPR

[phil236849]

I see it is being reported that academy staff are "quietly optimistic" about a 16 year old midfielder on our books called Layton Stewart. Anyone know much about him?