Liverpool will continue an aggressive recruitment drive at academy level as they aim to sign Everton winger Josh Chigwada and Wolves goalkeeper Zach Trinder.
It has already been a busy summer for Liverpool’s youth setup with a number of deals being lined up – and that is set to continue.
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke on X, the Reds are closing in on moves for Everton winger Chigwada and Wolves goalkeeper Trinder.
Both players are available as they have deregistered from their parent clubs and would join on scholarship terms, with nominal compensation to be paid.
Zach Trinder
Trinder’s move to Merseyside is seen as a done deal while Liverpool are facing competition from a number of clubs in their pursuit of Chigwada.
Though they are still only 14, both players have already debuted at U18s level and could be considered for either the U16s or U18s at Liverpool.
In fact, Trinder’s debut for Wolves U18s came against his new club in March, keeping a clean sheet in a 1-0 victory against Simon Wiles’ young Reds.
He is “widely regarded as the best goalkeeper prospect in academy football,” according to the well-connected Talent ID Hub on X.
Chigwada and Trinder were both part of the England U15s squad most recently captained by midfielder Luca Eden, who became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player at U18s level in December when still only 14 himself.
There is further interest in Shamrock Rovers youngster Joshua Holme, cousin of current U18s midfielder Haydn Murray-Holme.
Man City, Arsenal and Aston Villa are also tracking the 14-year-old forward, who has recently relocated to England following his time in Ireland.
Who else have Liverpool signed for the academy?
Michael Mulholland and Dara Jikiemi
Liverpool have already tied up deals for Crusaders striker Michael Mulholland, 15, and Celtic centre-back Dara Jikiemi, 16.
Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez is expected to join from Atletico Nacional when he turns 18 next year.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, is already set to join the U21s squad as part of a £2.6 million deal with Austria Vienna, while fellow centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18, made the move from Senegalese side Amitie FC in January for £1 million.
Eight academy players were announced on Liverpool’s released list this summer along with long-serving defender Rhys Williams.
Contracts were offered to eight others with Prince Kobe Cisse and Lucas Pitt already agreeing terms and Keyrol Figueroa among those close to committing their futures.