With Liverpool facing competition in their efforts to tie 15-year-old prodigy Josh Abe to the club for the long term, his trip to Real Madrid could raise concerns.
Abe has emerged as one of the most highly regarded talents in Liverpool’s academy, becoming a regular for the U18s this season despite only turning 15 in July.
But his future is not certain, with a number of clubs credited with an interest in a player who is yet to sign scholarship terms and cannot be tied to a professional deal until 2027.
This Is Anfield understands Chelsea are among the sides looking to coax Abe from Merseyside, while Arsenal have also been named as suitors.
The Josh Abe situation: A quick look
• Bernabeu trip: The 15-year-old sparked exit fears after being hosted by Real Madrid, posing with Vinicius Jr. and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
• Rival interest: Chelsea and Arsenal are also monitoring the winger, who is not yet eligible for a professional contract.
• Agency links: Abe’s presence with Tyler Alexander-Arnold hints at a move towards formal representation with the PLG agency.
• Academy standout: Despite his age, the forward has already notched five goal contributions in seven appearances for the under-18s this term.
The winger’s presence at the Bernabeu for Real Madrid‘s 2-0 win over Sevilla on Saturday could spark further concerns over a move which would effectively be out of Liverpool’s control.
Liverpool youngster Josh Abe visited Real Madrid and later posed for photos with Trent Alexander-Arnold and his agent brother Tyler.
Abe posed with Trent Alexander-Arnold and his brother Tyler on the pitch after the game, with suggestions this could be part of an attempt to woo the youngster.
While currently represented by his family, Abe’s trajectory could see him seek out more formal representation, and Tyler Alexander-Arnold’s appearance may indicate interest from his agency PLG.
PLG count Andy Robertson, Jarrod Bowen, Jordan Henderson and Leicester‘s breakout talent Jeremy Monga among their clients along with Real Madrid right-back Alexander-Arnold himself.
Abe is currently on a winter break, with Liverpool U18s not in action again until the visit of Stoke on January 10, allowing for time away.
It remains to be seen if his trip to Madrid is related to interest from Real but given the access he was provided – also posing alongside Vinicius Jr. and receiving signed shirts from the Brazilian, Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham – it was seemingly more than a standard visit.
Who is Josh Abe? Why LFC won’t want to lose him
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 20, 2025: Liverpool's Joshua Abe during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Blackburn Rovers FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by Rafaella Mcintosh/Propaganda)
Age: 15 (DOB: 17/7/2010)
Position: RW
Nationality: England
If Liverpool were to lose Abe – to Arsenal, Chelsea, Real Madrid or any other club – it would be a major blow considering how talented a player he is.
Capable of operating across the forward line, he is currently best used as a right winger, with his pace, skill and physicality making him a constant threat for opposing full-backs.
He made his U18s debut in an 8-3 defeat to Blackburn in September and has now made seven appearances for Simon Wiles’ side.
After a goal an assist in a 3-2 victory over Man City in October, Abe followed that up with the same feat in last month’s 6-3 loss to Nottingham Forest.
So far this season he has three goals and two assists in seven games, while also still playing for the U16s.