Liverpool has been handed another blow in the summer transfer window, with one of its young targets set to stay at Manchester City despite holding talks with the Reds
22:44, 08 Jul 2026
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 16: Xavier Parker of Manchester City celebrates after scoring their side's fifth goal during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Joie Stadium on January 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Xavier Parker looks set to stay at Manchester City despite talks with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool looks to have been handed a new transfer blow this summer, with Manchester City wonderkid Xavier Parker set to turn down the chance to move to Anfield.
The 16-year-old had looked close to trading Manchester for Merseyside, with reports last month indicating that he had been in talks with the Reds as his contract at City reached its end.
Parker had gained interest from a number of clubs, but it was Liverpool who looked to be leading the race for his services, with the teenager even claimed to be fan of the Reds. A fresh report though has indicated he could be about to reject their advances.
According to The Secret Scout on X - which reported on Parker’s talks with Liverpool last month - City now expects him to sign a new deal with the club following formal talks on Tuesday.
Liverpool’s hierarchy is said to have identified him as the next emerging talent, but despite previous suggestions that both parties were keen on him joining the Reds, he now looks set to stay put.
One of England’s most highly coveted young midfielders, Parker was part of the City side which won the U18 Premier League and FA Youth Cup, having joined the club from West Ham in 2024, and has represented England U16s, having recently captained his country in friendly wins over Argentina and Mexico.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 14: Xavier Parker of Manchester City arrives at the stadium prior to the FA Youth Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Joie Stadium on May 14, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Liverpool is said to have held talks with Xavier Parker(Image: Getty Images)
His decision to stay at City will be the second time Liverpool has been turned down by one of its young targets. Earlier in the summer, Kennet Eichhorn rejected a move to Anfield in order to stay in Germany, and has now signed for Bayer Leverkusen instead.
The Reds have had more success with some of their other business though, having signed Mor Talla Ndiaye in January, while Ifeanyi Ndukwe will be added to the ranks this summer.
Liverpool is also understood to be close to the signing of 17-year-old attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez from Colombian side Atletico Nacional.
Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kit
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£85
LFC Shop
Buy Now on LFC Shop
Liverpool FC have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27, inspired by iconic adidas strip worn during the club's 1989/90 title-winning campaign.
New head coach Andoni Iraola will be hoping to add more fresh faces to his senior ranks soon, with just one new signing having been made since he was confirmed as Arne Slot’s successor.
Article continues below
Victor Munoz is the sole new addition so far after signing from Osasuna, although Jeremy Jacquet has completed his move from Rennes after a deal was agreed in January.
The first batch of Liverpool’s squad reported to training this week ahead of pre-season starting on July 14, with Jacquet among those in attendance as Iraola got his first glimpse at his new side. The Reds will head out on tour to the United States later this month, where they will face Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds before returning to Anfield for games against Monaco and Como.