Arsenal have poached an exciting talent from Liverpool with the switch all-but confirmed after a social media announcement
An individual stands on a field, dressed in a red jersey with a logo on the chest, facing forward with a neutral expression. The background is blurred, indicating an outdoor setting.
Vincent Joseph is leaving Liverpool for Arsenal
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Liverpool academy star Vincent Joseph has bid farewell to the club on social media as he is set to join Premier League rivals Arsenal. The 16-year-old turned down the chance to sign scholarship terms with Liverpool, and he has subsequently agreed to join the Gunners.
Manchester United and Chelsea were also interested in signing him, but it is Arsenal that has emerged victorious in the battle for Joseph's signature, although a final transfer fee is yet to be settled via tribunal.
He has now confirmed his departure from Liverpool, posting on Instagram: "After 9 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye. Thank you for the memories, and for making my time here truly special. @liverpoolfc YNWA."
Arsenal have managed to sign a number of talented young players over the last 12 months, with Joseph the latest addition to their academy set up.
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The forward already boasts experience at U18 level with Liverpool, netting two goals in three appearances on Merseyside. He actually made his U18s bow just two months after his 16th birthday and opened his account after only 10 minutes.
Joseph then netted twice in a 4-3 victory over Nottingham Forest, which would ultimately be his final outing for Liverpool at U18 level. He has also been impressive on the international scene, scoring eight goals in nine matches for England U16s.
While Liverpool have lost an exciting talent for the future, the club have re-signed Hungarian midfielder Patrik Farkas, who initially joined in 2021.
There is also a number of academy graduates and youth stars making an impact in the senior set up, with four of those starting the 3-1 Carabao Cup win over Tottenham.
Rio Ngumoha is arguably the most well-known name that featured from the off with Trey Nyoni and James McConnell also starting. Lewis Koumas was deployed up front and nearly played the full game, which saw him named player of the match.
Lewis Koumas of Liverpool
Lewis Koumas impressed for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup
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Andoni Iraola was asked about the young players in his post-match press conference and was full of praise for their impact.
He said: "I was happy for them. Different positions, different demands but I think the best thing is they were dead when I subbed them.
“Trey was cramping, Rio couldn’t have run a lot more. McConnell the same. When this happens, it’s because you’ve given us what you’ve got. They have been very athletic, willingness to win their duels, making their presence felt. I was happy for them.”
On Koumas specifically, he added: “I see him training every day. He knows very clearly what he needs to do, what the team needs and also the energy he shows is contagious for the rest.
“When you see the runs up front, giving everything, you are kind of forced to go behind and use the same intensity levels. I am very happy for him.”