LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 7, 2026: Liverpool's Lucas Clarke 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 Lucas Clarke 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 have announced a first professional contract for ex-Man City centre-back Lucas Clarke, who is set to take up a key role in the academy this season.
Clarke completed his move from Man City in December 2024 and quickly settled as a regular starter for the U18s.
Last season saw the 17-year-old make 27 appearances in all competitions, including three for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League, and he has been prominent throughout this pre-season.
Clarke has now put pen to paper on his first professional contract, with the club confirming his deal on Thursday.
The agreement is expected to tie him to Liverpool until at least 2028, though any progress could be further rewarded with improved terms.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 13, 2025: Liverpool's Lucas Clarke during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Newcastle United FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. Newcastle won 4-3. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 13, 2025: Liverpool's Lucas Clarke during the U18 Premier League match between Liverpool FC Under-18's and Newcastle United FC Under-18's at the Liverpool Academy. Newcastle won 4-3. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Clarke follows the likes of Prince Cisse and Oliver O’Connor in signing pro deals this summer and is expected to be a key player for U18s coach Simon Wiles in 2026/27.
It is likely he gains more experience with the U19s in Europe, too, with many of last season’s core of defenders either leaving the club this summer or no longer being eligible.
Those include Amara Nallo, now on loan at HJK Helsinki, along with Carter Pinnington (sold to West Brom) and Emmanuel Airoboma (released).
Liverpool U18s will begin their campaign on Saturday with a trip to Man City and Clarke could partner Harvey Owen, an £800,000 signing from Wolves in 2023, at centre-back.
Wiles’ squad is much-changed this summer, with a host of players including 16-year-old winger Josh Abe stepping up to the U21s.
Liverpool’s new-look U18s squad for 2026/27 as Josh Abe joins U21s
NASHVILLE, USA - Saturday, July 25, 2026: Liverpool's Josh Abe 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 Josh Abe during a friendly match between Liverpool FC and AFC Sunderland at the Nashville SC Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Many of those have been replaced with first-year scholars promoted from the U16s or who will become more important in their second season with the U18s.
Abe was announced among this year’s scholarship intake along with 11 others.
Those were goalkeeper James Hilditch, defenders Shadrach Ekiugbo, Joseph Dixon, Japhect Garan, Isaiah Garin and Charlie Huth, midfielders Erik Farkas, Max Hawkins, Daniel Majekodunmi and Charlie Phillips, and striker Zak Coxon.
Two other goalkeepers, Zach Trinder and Noah Evans, have arrived from Wolves and Burnley respectively, but striker Vincent Joseph is among those expected to leave.
Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v AS Monaco
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Monaco's Lamine Camara during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
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