Liverpool will lose centre-forward prodigy Vincent Joseph this summer, with the 16-year-old agreeing a move to Arsenal and talks now underway over a fee.
Joseph was widely considered one of the best talents in Liverpool’s academy, and there had been hopes of striking an agreement over a scholarship.
But despite their efforts to convince the teenager his future was on Merseyside – including two appearances for the U18s at the back end of last season – it became clear he was seeking an exit.
Despite interest from Chelsea and Man United, The Athletic report that Joseph has now agreed a contract with Arsenal.
The striker was free to move clubs this summer despite the offer of a scholarship, but the two sides will still need to negotiate a compensation package.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, September 13, 2025: Liverpool's Under-21's manager Robert Page (L), Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe (C) and Jay Spearing 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 Under-21's manager Robert Page (L), Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe (C) and Jay Spearing 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)
That would need to recognise Liverpool’s role in Joseph’s development, having brought him in at pre-academy level and overseen his progress up to the U18s.
His debut with the U18s came only two months after his 16th birthday and saw him score his first goal after just 10 minutes.
Joseph went on to net a brace in his second outing – a 4-3 win over Nottingham Forest – but that proved to be his final appearance for Liverpool at that level.
Losing such a promising player will be a blow for Liverpool, who only included one other striker in their intake of scholars this summer in 16-year-old Zak Coxon.
But they were successful in tying Josh Abe down to a scholarship along with a provisional agreement on a first professional contract, with the winger considered one of the biggest talents in the entire country.
Liverpool have already replaced Vincent Joseph – from 2027
A deal is in place for Northern Irish striker Michael Mulholland to complete a move from Crusaders after he turns 16 in January.
Liverpool have also confirmed the £750,000 signing of Colombian attacking midfielder Samuel Martinez, who will arrive from Atletico Nacional next summer.
Everton winger Josh Chigwada is also a target but, at 14, he is more likely to join up with the U16s if he moves as expected.
There were efforts to sign Man City midfielder Xavier Parker, 16, but he opted to stay with his current club, while interest in Leicester wonderkid Darren Motsi, 16, fell short as he also agreed to sign for Man City.
Football – FA Premier League – Fulham FC v Liverpool FC
Football – FA Premier League – Fulham FC v Liverpool FC
Matthias Jaissle file photo
File photo dated 25-10-2022 of Matthias Jaissle, who is the shock favourite to succeed Eddie Howe as Newcastle head coach. Issue date: Thursday July 30, 2026.
Football – U18 Premier League – Liverpool FC Under-18’s v Everton FC Under-18’s
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)