Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Man City midfielder Xavier Parker ahead of a potential move to the academy ranks when his contract expires this summer.
Parker has emerged as one of the best young No. 8s in England since signing for Man City from West Ham in 2024.
The attacking midfielder, who only turned 16 last month, scored six goals and laid on seven assists in 21 games at U18s level last season.
That included a goal in a 3-0 win over Liverpool U18s in March while the recruitment team from Merseyside watched on.
According to reliable youth source The Secret Scout on X, Liverpool are now in talks with Parker’s representatives over a move this summer when his terms with Man City expire.
? EXCL – Liverpool and Xavier Parker representatives have begun contract negotiations. Both parties want the move. Parker is a Liverpool fan. ?
Expected to leave Man City at the end of this month when his contract ends and join #LFC
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) June 10, 2026
Parker is said to be a Liverpool supporter and “both parties want the move,” with contract negotiations underway amid interest from other clubs.
If a deal is completed the teenager would almost certainly join up with Simon Wiles’ U18s for the start of pre-season at the AXA Training Centre.
A dominant ball-carrying No. 8, Parker typically operates as a left-sided midfielder in a three and looks to crash into the box with third-man runs.
Part of the Man City side which won the U18 Premier League and the FA Youth Cup, he is also an England U16s international and recently captained Barry Lewtas’ side in friendly wins over Argentina and Mexico.
He is international team-mates with Liverpool striker Vincent Joseph, who is expected to leave the club this summer, and another summer target, Leicester attacking midfielder Darren Motsi.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Parker and Motsi comes after securing the long-term future of prodigious winger Josh Abe, 15.
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)
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 attracted interest from a host of clubs including Man City, Man United and Chelsea but has agreed a scholarship deal along with a pre-contract for his professional terms when he turns 17 next summer.
Abe, who was offered upwards of £50,000 a week to move elsewhere, has already been given the No. 40 shirt as part of the first-team squad and is expected to travel for the pre-season tour of the United States.
His promotion to the U21s could free up space for the likes of Parker and potentially Motsi to establish themselves as key players for the U18s.
With Rio Ngumoha‘s breakthrough showing there is a pathway to Liverpool’s senior squad and new opportunities to come under Andoni Iraola, it is no surprise the club is seen as a destination to England’s top youngsters.
Football – FA Cup – 3rd Round – Liverpool FC v Barnsley FC
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha is met with head coach Arne Slot (L) after being substituted off during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – OCTOBER 14: Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary celebrates during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Hungary and Serbia
2T22MKD BUDAPEST, HUNGARY - OCTOBER 14: Dominik Szoboszlai of Hungary celebrates during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Hungary and Serbia (Sebastian Frej / Alamy Stock Photo)
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