Liverpool midfielder is closing in on a move to Forest Green Rovers as he looks set to take the next step in his development
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It’s been a busy few weeks at Liverpool FC, especially now that the World Cup has come to an end.
Liverpool fans welcomed the positive news that Dominik Szoboszlai had his contract extended with the club, believed to be until 2031.
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Meanwhile, Andoni Iraola’s squad left for Chicago on Monday afternoon with the Spaniard opting to take a 31-man squad with him for a two-week tour in the USA.
Academy midfielder Kyle Kelly was not selected as part of the group – and it seems that’s due to the 20-year-old being on the brink of a transfer,
According to Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle, Kelly is set for a loan move to Forest Green Rovers in the national league, with the teenager poised to continue his development away from Merseyside before returning to compete for a place at Liverpool.
Ian Doyle wrote: “Liverpool academy midfielder Kyle Kelly is close to agreeing a loan move to National League side Forest Green Rovers.”
Kelly has progressed through Liverpool’s academy and is regarded as one of the club’s promising midfielders. With first-team opportunities expected to be limited at Anfield, a loan move would allow him to gain valuable experience in senior football while remaining part of Liverpool’s long-term plans.
Doyle reports that Kelly is expected to spend the campaign with Robbie Savage’s Forest Green as Liverpool continue to assess loan opportunities for their academy players. The midfielder recently signed a new deal at Anfield after uncertainty over his future when his previous contract expired this summer.
The new agreement followed confirmation from Liverpool that Kelly had been offered fresh terms. Academy reporter Lewis Bower later reported that the midfielder had returned for the first day of pre-season training at the AXA Training Centre, indicating he had agreed the new deal.
Kelly has been part of Liverpool’s academy since joining in 2018 and signed his first professional contract in October 2022. Although he is yet to make a senior appearance for the club, he has established himself as a regular for the Under-21 side.
The midfielder’s 2025-26 campaign was disrupted by injury during the first half of the Premier League 2 season. However, he returned to become a regular in a defensive midfield role after the turn of the year, earning consistent minutes for Barry Lewtas’ side.
Away from club football, Kelly has already gained senior international experience with St Kitts and Nevis. He made his international debut in March 2024 and scored his first goal for his country earlier this year.
A loan move to Forest Green would provide Kelly with the opportunity to play regular first-team football while remaining under Liverpool’s watch. The National League club, managed by former Wales international Robbie Savage, are expected to offer the midfielder valuable experience as he continues his development.
Forest Green Rovers
Kyle Kelly