The international break is almost over, with Liverpool preparing to return to Premier League action and build on Andoni Iraola’s promising start in charge. The Reds remain unbeaten under their new head coach, but bigger tests await, starting with Manchester City on Sunday.
Liverpool are also looking ahead to the January transfer window, with returning sporting director Julian Ward assessing potential targets to strengthen key areas of the squad.
Despite significant spending over the past two years, some gaps remain to be addressed. Meanwhile, Aston Villa have completed the signing of former Liverpool winger Jake Doughty.
The 16-year-old has joined their academy from Everton as a first-year scholar. Doughty, who will link up with Villa’s Under-18s, has represented England at youth level.
He initially joined Liverpool at Under-9 level in 2018 before later moving to Everton. The attacker scored seven goals in 15 appearances in the competition last season and featured for Everton’s Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup and U18 Premier League during the 2025/26 campaign.
Academy Manager Mark Harrison said: “We are delighted that Jake has joined us from Everton. “He is a wide attacking player with excellent technical qualities and an ability to create and score goals.
“Jake played a number of times for Everton Under-18s and represented England at Under-16 level. We look forward to seeing how Jake develops over the next few years.”
This is exactly the sort of deal Aston Villa’s academy recruitment operation is designed to find. Doughty is still only 16 and does not have a professional contract, meaning Villa are not required to pay a significant transfer fee. Instead, the deal centres on development compensation.
It represents a relatively small investment in a player who could eventually become worth considerably more. Villa’s growing status also gives them plenty to offer young players.
Under Unai Emery, Villa have established themselves as an ambitious Premier League and Champions League-level club, while their pathway to the first team can be an attractive proposition for academy prospects. Doughty fits Villa’s strategy of identifying talented youngsters early and developing them before their value increases.
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