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The World Cup may be in full swing, but Liverpool’s transfer activity is also gathering pace. Despite the window only being open for a few days, the Reds continue to be linked with several players featuring across the tournament, including Yan Diomande andMorocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi.
There is also growing speculation over a potential return to Anfield for Darwin Nunez, with reports reigniting discussion around the striker’s future at the club.
Elsewhere, Arsenal have beaten Liverpool to the signing of 16-year-old goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney from Larne, despite the Reds making an offer for the highly rated prospect.
According to the player’s father, Alan Blayney, via the Belfast Telegraph, the teenager is set to join the Premier League champions instead. The Northern Irish Premier League side will receive a modest compensation fee for Phoenix Blayney’s development and training.
The goalkeeper had spent time on trial with both Arsenal and Liverpool earlier this year, while also attracting interest from Nottingham Forest. However, Arsenal have now won the race for his signature.
His father, Blayney, confirmed the move will be completed this summer, with only formalities remaining despite a pre-contract not yet being officially signed. The teenager is set to finalise his deal ahead of turning professional on his 17th birthday in November 2027.
“Everything has been agreed with Arsenal, he just needs to sign the contract,” Alan Blayney told the Belfast Telegraph. “When he’s 17, he will sign a professional contract. It’s done and dusted and a pre-contract will be signed when the time is right.”
“Phoenix enjoyed being at Arsenal, he felt a connection there and really likes the coaches. One of his good friends Daniel Mccarron has joined the club and that’s probably one of the reasons too. Him and Daniel play in the same Northern Ireland team.”.
Arsenal’s offer stood out as “the shining light between them all”, with the Larne youth goalkeeper viewing the move to north London as “a massive opportunity”.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have previously found success in recruiting players at 16, including Rio Ngumoha, who joined from Chelsea’s academy after opting not to sign scholarship terms in west London.
The talented winger quickly broke into the first-team picture, making his debut before the end of his first season and becoming the youngest player to start a competitive match for the club.
He continued his rise during the 2025/26 campaign, scoring on his Premier League debut against Newcastle in August 2025 before netting his first goal at Anfield, breaking Raheem Sterling’s record as the youngest player to score at the stadium.
Ngumoha also travelled with England’s World Cup squad during their preparation camp, before Thomas Tuchel handed him his senior international debut against New Zealand.