Liverpool have spent recent windows reshaping their midfield with heavy investment, moving on several academy graduates while bringing in fresh faces to compete at the top of the Premier League.
Not every product of the club’s youth system was destined to stay at Anfield, of course.
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The Melwood pathway has long fed talent out across the leagues of England and Scotland, and one former Reds youngster has just secured a move that takes his career in a striking new direction.
Motherwell have now confirmed the permanent departure of one of last season’s standout performers, midfielder Elliot Watt, who joins Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor for an undisclosed fee.
Watt, who came through the academies at Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Preston North End before turning professional with Wolverhampton Wanderers, spent just over a year at Fir Park after arriving from Burton Albion in the summer of 2025.
His time in Lanarkshire proved transformative.
Watt featured 42 times across the campaign as Motherwell finished fourth in the William Hill Premiership and reached the semi final of the Premier Sports Cup.
Individual honours followed the collective success, with the former St Johnstone loanee claiming an SPFL Player of the Month award and earning a place in the PFA Team of the Season.
His displays were sufficiently eye catching that Rangers were credited with interest during the January window, though it is a foreign move that has ultimately materialised.
In the statement released by the club, Watt expressed his gratitude to everyone connected with Motherwell.
“12 months that have changed my career and life,” he said.
“The support and positivity I felt from the first minute I arrived gave me the confidence to learn, improve and perform.”
The 26 year old went on to reflect warmly on his relationship with the supporters.
“I hope I was able to put a smile on the fans’ faces.”
”My family and I will be forever grateful and will always be watching; we will hopefully be back soon.”
”I don’t think I will be able to keep my boys away from Fir Park for too long.”
”I wish the club every success going forward, especially this season in Europe.”
”Mon the well.”
Motherwell, for their part, offered a fitting send off.
The club described Watt as an integral part of the squad and wished the player and his family well, thanking him sincerely for his efforts before adding that they hoped to see him back before long.
For Watt, the switch to Samsunspor represents both reward and challenge.
A player once on the fringes at Molineux has rebuilt his career through the English Football League and the Scottish top flight, and now tests himself abroad.
Scotland youth caps at under 17, under 19 and under 21 level hinted at his promise.
In Turkey, he finally gets the platform to prove it on a bigger stage.