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The summer transfer window is well underway, and League Two clubs like Accrington Stanley are wasting no time in shaping their squads for the 2026-27 season.
Their recruitment activity comes at an interesting time for Liverpool, with new head coach Andoni Iraola set to inherit a squad with significant movement expected.
According to a report by The Athletic, as many as 11 players could leave Anfield this summer — either permanently or on loan. Among those expected to depart on temporary deals are midfielders Trey Nyoni, Luke Chambers, Kieran Morrison, Amara Nallo, James McConnell, and Armin Pecsi, while Luca Stephenson and Kaide Gordon are tipped for permanent exits.
And it is from that well-trodden Liverpool-to-lower-league pipeline that Accrington have drawn their latest recruit. Stanley have officially confirmed the signing of former Liverpool defender Joe Anderson from Barrow AFC on a free transfer, handing him a two-year deal.
The 25-year-old spent nine years in the Liverpool academy before making a rare switch across Stanley Park – joining Everton’s youth setup at the age of 15 in 2016. Anderson went on to thrive with the Toffees, captaining the U21s and making over 100 combined appearances across the U18s and U21s.
He converted from a left midfielder into a centre-back during his development years before signing a permanent deal with Sunderland in January 2023, where he was part of their promotion-winning campaign in the Championship.
Most recently, he made 14 appearances for Barrow following a move in January 2026, but was unable to prevent the club’s relegation to the National League.
Anderson said of his move:
“I am a left-sided centre-back and I would say I am a modern defender – I like to break lines, go into midfield, and I like to have a shot.”
“The most important thing is clean sheets though and that’s what I want to bring to Accrington.”
“I have never played here, but I have just got married, and my wife’s family live two minutes up the road from Accrington Stanley.”
“They have always said I should sign here! My wife’s grandad used to go on and said he would come back if I play.”
The deal is subject to EFL and FA ratification.