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.