Liverpool “remain confident” of tying exciting youngster Josh Abe down to a contract extension, according to journalist James Wathland.
There is still plenty to sort in terms of Reds contracts, with Ibrahima Konate still not signing a new deal, despite reports suggesting he will eventually.
Meanwhile, Alisson continues to be linked with a move to Juventus this summer, with the Brazilian out of contract at Liverpool next year.
Focusing on retaining established players is understandably key, but it is also vital that the Reds hold on to the most exciting young talent at the club for as long as possible, such as current star teenager Rio Ngumoha.
Writing on X, Wathland provided a positive update regarding the highly-rated Abe, saying: “Despite huge offers elsewhere, Liverpool remain confident of securing Joshua Abe on a long-term deal.”
Can Josh Abe make a Rio Ngumoha-like leap at Liverpool?
Still only 15 years of age, Abe is a special talent who is already making waves at Liverpool’s academy, being lauded by Under-18s manager Simon Wiles:
“You can see him growing with confidence and the quality that he’s got. He’s got a real knack for coming inside and hitting the back of the net. He’s a real talent and it’s really exciting working with him. Josh is in a really good place.”
Meanwhile, one of Abe’s former coaches has claimed that “there’s not a club in this country who wouldn’t want” to sign the winger, and he has already scored four goals in eight caps for England’s Under-16s.
Ngumoha’s rise at Liverpool this season shows that there is a pathway into the first team for those who are gifted and hungry enough to make the big step up, and Abe should be using the 17-year-old as inspiration.
For now, it’s a case of baby steps, with the teenage attacker potentially handed his senior debut in the EFL Cup next season, and making sure he stays put at Anfield is vital.
The fact that so many clubs are coming in for him speaks volumes about how high Abe’s long-term ceiling is, and if he can avoid serious injuries and remain as professional as possible, the sky is the limit for him at Liverpool.