Josh Abe is the youngest member of Liverpool’s pre-season squad, and with Andoni Iraola short on attacking options, the 16-year-old has an opportunity to impress.
Player Profile: Josh Abe
With eight first-team players making a delayed return to pre-season, Iraola has turned to 11 academy talents for the early stages of summer training.
After being appointed, the Spaniard spoke of the opportunity to take a closer look at the club’s emerging talent this pre-season, and Abe is highly regarded by those who have helped him develop.
So who is Josh Abe and why was it a coup to keep him this summer?
Who is Josh Abe?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 7, 2026: Liverpool's Joshua Abe has his left boot taken off in a challenge with Everton's Shea Pita (L) during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Everton FC Under-18's, the Mini-Mini Merseyside Derby, at Finch Farm. Everton won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 7, 2026: Liverpool's Joshua Abe has his left boot taken off in a challenge with Everton's Shea Pita (L) during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Everton FC Under-18's, the Mini-Mini Merseyside Derby, at Finch Farm. Everton won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A local boy, Abe has been with the club since the age of five, rising up the ranks ahead of his age group to become a first-year scholar in 2026/27.
The left-footed right winger only just turned 16, but is regarded as one of the most promising players and a jewel of the academy, with dazzling skill and a desire to take on his direct opponent with pace.
Abe, who is described by those who have worked with him as a humble and polite young man, made his under-18s debut last season at just 15, scoring eight goals and notching three assists in just 10 appearances.
He is expected to be a regular for the U21s this season, underlining his talent and potential. He was given a squad number (No. 40) this summer and could, therefore, also supplement the first team.
He has trained with Iraola from the start of pre-season and there are hopes he will follow in the footsteps of Rio Ngumoha.
Wasn’t there interest from other Premier League clubs?
Liverpool youngster Josh Abe visited Real Madrid and later posed for photos with Trent Alexander-Arnold and his agent brother Tyler, along with Vinicius Jr.
Liverpool youngster Josh Abe visited Real Madrid and later posed for photos with Trent Alexander-Arnold and his agent brother Tyler, along with Vinicius Jr.
With the England youth international possessing the ability to make it at the highest level, he attracted interest from the likes of Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Man United earlier this year.
Represented by Tyler Alexander-Arnold’s PLG agency, there were concerns Liverpool would lose the talented teenager if terms were not agreed ahead of the summer.
At the start of June, however, an agreement was reached to sign Abe on an initial scholarship deal before he is eligible to sign his first professional contract on his 17th birthday (July 17, 2027).
It was claimed by the Athletic‘s James Pearce that Abe was “offered pro terms in excess of £50,000 per week from Premier League rivals” to leave Liverpool.
What has been said about Josh Abe?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 7, 2026: Liverpool's Joshua Abe puts his boot back on during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Everton FC Under-18's, the Mini-Mini Merseyside Derby, at Finch Farm. Everton won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 7, 2026: Liverpool's Joshua Abe puts his boot back on during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Everton FC Under-18's, the Mini-Mini Merseyside Derby, at Finch Farm. Everton won 2-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Abe, who had his last season end prematurely due to injury, will see his expectations managed accordingly, but there is little doubt regarding the talent he possesses.
Last season, U18s’ boss Simon Wiles spoke highly of the young winger, telling Redmen TV: “You can see him growing with confidence and the quality that he’s got.
“He’s got a real knack for coming inside and hitting the back of the net. He’s a real talent and it’s really exciting working with him. Josh is in a really good place.”
Vinicius Junior File Photo
File photo dated 10/12/2025 of Vinicius Junior. Benfica have failed in an appeal against a provisional suspension imposed by UEFA on their player Gianluca Prestianni amid allegations he racially abused Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior. Issue date: Wednesday February 25, 2026.
Collage 3 diagonal (13)
Collage 3 diagonal (13)
Football – FA Premier League – Arsenal FC v Newcastle United FC
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 24, 2024: Newcastle United's goalkeeper Loris Karius during the FA Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at the Emirates Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)