Liverpool have confirmed the permanent departure of left-back James Norris to Irish side Shelbourne, marking the end of a 13-year association with the club.
Norris joined Liverpool at U9s level and progressed through the ranks to become a reliable figure in the U21s and reach the fringes of the first team.
But after a season-long loan spell with Shelbourne he returned to the AXA Training Centre heading into the final six months of his contract.
James Norris Transfer: Liverpool to Shelbourne
• Permanent exit: Left-back James Norris has officially joined Shelbourne on a permanent deal following a successful 45-game loan spell.
• End of era: The 22-year-old leaves Anfield after 13 years, having progressed from the U9 level to the fringes of the first team.
• Debut record: Norris departs as one of the club’s youngest-ever debutants, having made two senior appearances in cup fixtures.
Talks continued with the Irish club and now Liverpool have announced a permanent deal which ensures Norris will stay at Tolka Park for the long term.
While the terms of the transfer are as yet undisclosed the expectation is that it will either be for free or a nominal fee.
HARROGATE, ENGLAND - Monday, September 23, 2024: Liverpool's James Norris (R) celebrates with team-mate Trent Kone-Doherty after scoring the first equalising goal during the English Football League Trophy Northern Group E match between Harrogate Town AFC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at Wetherby Road. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“Absolutely delighted to make the move permanent,” Norris told Shelbourne’s official website.
“I loved my time here on loan and it feels like the right place for me to continue my development.
“I cannot wait to get going again, work under the manager and his staff, and play in front of the supporters at Tolka Park again.”
Norris initially joined Shelbourne on loan in February, with the League of Ireland Premier Division campaign running through the calendar year, and he made 45 appearances in total.
He has remained a key player following a change in the dugout, with Damien Duff replaced by former West Ham right-back Joey O’Brien in July.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 24, 2021: Liverpool's James Norris (R) celebrates after scoring the fourth goal during the UEFA Youth League Group B Matchday 4 game between Liverpool FC Under 19's and FC Porto Under 19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The 22-year-old leaves Liverpool having twice played in first-team fixtures, though both came in academy sides as Jurgen Klopp and his senior players were unable to fulfil cup clashes with Aston Villa and Shrewsbury.
His appearance against Villa in the Carabao Cup fifth-round defeat in 2019 means he is the club’s third-youngest debutant in the cup’s history.
He was still Liverpool’s fifth-youngest player overall until Rio Ngumoha pushed him out of the top five this season.
Norris’ last involvement with the first team came with four games on the bench last season – including twice in the Champions League.