The name Oakley Cannonier might not be instantly recognizable to some supporters, but the young striker played a huge part in one of Liverpool's most famous European nights
Oakley Cannonier was the ball boy who set Trent Alexander-Arnold up for his quickly-taken corner against Barcelona
Oakley Cannonier was the ball boy who set Trent Alexander-Arnold up for his quickly-taken corner against Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool striker Oakley Cannonier - who played a big role in one of the Reds’ most famous nights - has completed a surprise transfer to Asia after leaving the club.
Cannonier was among the nine academy players to be released earlier this summer, although he had confirmed his plans to leave the club months before that, having previously been lined up for a move back to boyhood club Leeds.
The young forward never made a senior appearance for Liverpool, having joined the club back in 2015, but he did play a significant part in what would turn out to be the Reds’ sixth European crown back in 2019.
Cannonier was a ballboy for the second leg of Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final against Barcelona that year, and with the Reds having spectacularly drawn level in the tie after losing 3-0 in the Camp Nou, his big moment came as Trent Alexander-Arnold strode over to take a corner.
Cannonier quickly threw the ball over to the Reds’ former right-back while Barcelona’s players were still setting themselves up, enabling Alexander-Arnold to take the corner quickly and pick out Divock Origi to put Liverpool ahead for the first time, and ultimately send the club to the final in Madrid.
Now 22, Cannonier’s time at Anfield has come to an end, with a surprise move to Singapore side Hougang United having been confirmed.
Oakley Cannonier could be set to leave Liverpool before the end of the January transfer window
Oakley Cannonier was one of nine academy players released by Liverpool this summer(Image: Getty Images)
He posted a farewell message on Instagram as he paid tribute to Liverpool and his former teammates, although he also appeared to aim a dig at some of the club’s coaches.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Liverpool FC for the last 10 years,” Cannonier wrote alongside some pictures from his time on Merseyside.
“To all the players and SOME of the staff I’ve had the privilege of working with. The memories, experiences and friendships I’ve made will stay with me forever.
“This club has played a huge part in my journey, both as a player and as a person, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
Content Image
Content Image
“Even though I never got to make my debut at Anfield at least I’m in a little bit of history of this amazing club! YNWA”
Having scored 34 goals during the 2021/22 season with the U18s, Cannonier struggled with injuries over the next two campaigns before returning to full fitness. His opportunities thereafter proved to be limited though, leading him to express his frustration in an interview with The Athletic in February.
“I will leave at the end of the season and am just looking for regular games. With my age, that is all I want to be doing,” he explained.
“The last 18 months have been really difficult with no games to look forward to.
“You train all week and then there is nothing at the end of it. It’s been pretty crap.”