NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Will Wright during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Will Wright during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool U21s’ preparations for the new season continued in a positive vein on Tuesday, following a 2-0 win over Bolton.
It had been a mixed bag from Rob Page’s youngsters in pre-season so far this summer, with only one win from four matches.
But that changed on Tuesday, as Liverpool picked up a victory away to Bolton, with Wellity Lucky and Isaac Mabaya again making injury progress, having played in the 4-3 loss to Cardiff U21s.
Josh Abe, Harvey Davies, Mor Talla N’Diaye and Calum Scanlon all featured, too, amid claims about the latter’s future.
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Calum Scanlon during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sunderland AFC at the Nashville SC Stadium. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Scanlon “has interest” from both Cardiff and Sheffield Wednesday this summer, and could be the first to move on.
In terms of the Bolton game itself, Liverpool produced an accomplished performance, with Will Wright and Michael Laffey netting in either half.
It was Wright who opened the scoring with a clinical finish after 28 minutes, as he looks to kick on after playing for Liverpool’s senior side during the tour of the USA.
The teenage striker twice came close to making it 2-0, with N’Diaye and Oliver O’Connor also having chances, before Laffey doubled the advantage after the break.
The fixture list for #LFCU21s' Premier League 2 campaign has been confirmed ?
— The LFC Academy (@LFCAcademyX) August 10, 2026
3 other Liverpool youngsters linked with loan moves
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Ifeanyi Ndukwe during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Ifeanyi Ndukwe during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Page will know he will likely be without a string of influential young players this season, with several rumours regarding moves away.
Impressive centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe is reportedly a wanted man, and has to go out on loan after failing to obtain a UK work permit.
Meanwhile, Leicester are believed to be among the clubs keen on sealing the temporary signing of midfielder James McConnell.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Lewis Koumas during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Lewis Koumas during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There is a similar level of interest in Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas, following a productive pre-season, and This Is Anfield understands that Burnley are in the mix to snap him up.
It is only right that these players head out on loan, having outgrown the U21s, and it’s now time for other emerging talent to step up in the Premier League 2 in 2026/27.
Andoni Iraola feels more likely to give them a chance than Arne Slot did, which should act as a huge incentive.
France v England – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Bronze Final – Miami Stadium
France's Bradley Barcola celebrates scoring his sides second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 bronze final at the Miami Stadium. Picture date: Saturday July 18, 2026.
ROUNDUP COLLAGE(41)
ROUNDUP COLLAGE(41)