Trent Kone-Doherty’s transfer to Molde FC has left Rob Page disappointed.
The 19-year-old left in search of more first-team minutes, and his exit is sure to be felt by the Under-21 side as they mount a title charge in Premier League 2.
Liverpool let Kone-Doherty go, but not before trying to tie him down to another contract.
After Sunday’s win against Tottenham, Rob Page told Liverpool.com: “We’ve lost a good player. In this job, you’re in it to develop players. He’s decided to move on. We wanted to keep him. There was an offer of a contract.
UCL Race: Will Man Utd, Chelsea, or Villa finish ahead of Liverpool?
Liverpool's Premier League rivals
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
“So, disappointed to see him go, but that’s life. That’s development football. It gives others an opportunity now to step into his place, and we can focus on them.”
Others such as Josh Abe will become the focus for Liverpool.
A possible reason for Trent Kone-Doherty’s Liverpool departure
Kone-Doherty’s departure is a blow for Page and his team. He was one of the main sources of creativity in a side that has been flying of late.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
He was a nailed-on starter for the U21s and even got a senior appearance in the Carabao Cup earlier this season. The decision to leave a club like Liverpool can’t have been taken lightly.
It’s quite possible that Kone-Doherty’s eyes are on a potential seat on the plane to the World Cup with Ireland. He has played at every underage level, but is yet to earn a senior cap.
Trent Kone-Doherty shoots during Liverpool's Premier League 2 match against Arsenal at the AXA Training Centre
Photo by Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Ireland are not spoiled for wide talent, and the prospect of playing a part in the nation’s first World Cup in almost a quarter of a century.
They still have the play-offs to get through this month — against the Czech Republic and the winner of Denmark and Macedonia.
If they are going to the tournament, it’s not out of the question for him to get a call-up. It could be that, or it could just be that he doesn’t see a pathway to first-team football, being in the unfortunate position of wanting to play on the same wing as Rio Ngumoha.
One thing is for sure. Kone-Doherty’s absence will be felt by the U21s. Liverpool have just three games left to close the gap on the four teams ahead of them, all of whom have a game in hand. With the pressure intensifying, the timing of this departure couldn’t be worse for the academy.
It could be perfect for the youngster’s World Cup ambitions, though.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox