Liverpool have fended off big-money interest in highly-rated teenage attacker Josh Abe, tying him down to a scholarship at the club.
Making new signings is always vital for the Reds, but retaining the services of the biggest homegrown talent is also important.
In Abe, Liverpool have a player with vast potential, and losing him so early in his development would be a major setback.
Thankfully, the Reds have kept hold of the 15-year-old, with *the Times*‘ Paul Joyce reporting that they have kept him “out of the clutches” of Premier League rivals Man City, Chelsea and Man United.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 7, 2026: Liverpool's Joshua Abe during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Everton FC Under-18's, the Mini-Mini Merseyside Derby, at Finch Farm. Everton won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Abe has “agreed a scholarship at Anfield and will then sign a professional deal on his 17th birthday.”
It is also claimed by the Athletic‘s James Pearce that Abe was “offered pro terms in excess of £50,000 per week from Premier League rivals” to seal a move away from Liverpool.
Can Josh Abe be Liverpool’s next great youngster?
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)
Predicting the career trajectory of any young player is hard, with injuries so often playing a part, and others not always managing to reach their potential.
In Abe, Liverpool have a footballer with so much promise, though, with Reds U18s’ boss Simon Wiles speaking highly of him this season.
“You can see him growing with confidence and the quality that he’s got,” Wiles said.
“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.”
A lovely hit from Josh Abe ??? pic.twitter.com/XJTh2hCvNB
— The LFC Academy (@LFCAcademyX) January 30, 2026
The fact that Abe has already made the step up to the U18s at the age of just 15 speaks volumes, scoring eight goals in just 10 appearances, and it’s now a case of knuckling down and reaching that next level.
Arne Slot has received some criticism for not being involved enough in academy matters at Liverpool, though Abe has trained with the senior squad. Hopefully, Andoni Iraola will take more of an interest in the youth teams.
That would only benefit Abe and the other youngsters at the club, and the fact that three of the Reds’ biggest rivals wanted him for big money says everything about his talent.