**Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign 15-year-old Northern Irish striker Michael Mulholland, but he will only join the club in 2027 due to FIFA rules.**
According to [This is Anfield](https://www.thisisanfield.com/2026/06/michael-mulholland-liverpool-transfer-crusaders-first-team-promotion-2026/) journalist Jack Lusby, Liverpool are set to sign Mulholland from Crusaders, who have announced that the teenager is set to make the step up from youth football to the first team setup for the 2026-27 season.
Mulholland will now wear the No.20 for the new season of the NIFL Premiership after being included in the 28-man squad for 2026-27
Why can’t Michael Mulholland join Liverpool immediately?
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In plain English, Article 19 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players dictates:
* Any player under the age of 18 generally cannot make an international transfer to a club or country
* There are only a handful of exceptions and they must be approved by FIFA
The 15-year-old striker currently plays in Northern Ireland for Belfast-based outfit the Crusaders, and a transfer to Liverpool requires him to move to England. While both are a part of the United Kingdom, they belong to different national football federations (Irish Football Association vs The Football Association).
This means his transfer would be classed as an international transfer under FIFA’s regulations.
### Why does Mulholland have to wait until he’s 16?
Before the UK left the European Union, clubs in England could sign 16 and 17-year-olds from other EU countries under a special exception, provided that education and welfare requirements were met.
After Brexit, the UK introduced new laws for transfers between the English FA and the Republic of Ireland.
Consequently, players like Mulholland can make these transfers only once they have turned 16.
Mulholland is a lethal striker and one to watch in the coming years
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With 256 goals in the Crusaders youth setup last season, it is no surprise that he caught the attention of a club as big as Liverpool, who have scouts posted globally.
While there is plenty of excitement around the likes of 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool fans should keep an eye on Mulholland’s performance for Crusaders in the season ahead.
Liverpool are well-known for developing youth talent, and with the arrival of Andoni Iraola, players like Mulholland will be excited about the new head coach given the chances he gave to 18-year-old Eli Junior Kroupi at Bournemouth last season.