Jayden Danns got on the scoresheet for Liverpool U21s as they lost their opening game 4-2 against Leicester, with three notable absences from the squad.
Leicester U21s 4-2 Liverpool U21s
Premier League 2, Leicester City Training Ground
August 18, 2025
Goals: Golding 9′ 64′, Opoku 30′ 60′; Danns 49′, Laffey 88′
With seven of the squad having featured for Liverpool’s senior team in pre-season, the under-21s travelled to Leicester‘s training ground for their opening game of the Premier League 2 season.
Notably, however, Lewis Koumas, Kaide Gordon and Rhys Williams were not involved in any capacity.
Earlier in August, the *Liverpool Echo*‘s Ian Doyle reported that Koumas is a target for Sevilla, having been the “subject of an inquiry” from the Spanish side.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Lewis Koumas on the bench before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Meanwhile, Championship quintet Norwich, Sheffield United, Hull City, Preston and Oxford were also mentioned as suitors, as well as newly-promoted pair Birmingham and Wrexham – a loan is arguably more likely than a permanent exit.
The latter seems more likely for Gordon, however, having spent last season at Norwich then Portsmouth in two relatively unsuccessful loan spells.
Liverpool will certainly be looking to sell 24-year-old Rhys Williams, who remains on the club’s books for the time being and is eligible for the under-21s as an overage player – his contract expires next summer.
Williams spent last season at Morecambe, where he played 38 times as they finished bottom of the fourth division.
Jayden Danns and Michael Laffey score as under-21s lose opener
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Trent Kone-Doherty during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Back to the pitch now, and though new boss Rob Page fielded a strong side, Liverpool lost 4-2 in their first game of the season.
Following a minute’s silence in memory of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, Leicester took the lead early through ex-Chelsea player Michael Golding, who added his second in the 64th minute to put the hosts 4-1 up after teammate Nat Opoku had netted a brace.
Danns’ left-footed strike into the top corner came just after half time, and it was set up by a clever flick from midfielder Michael Laffey.
The 19-year-old later netted a consolation of his own, shooting brilliantly following the initial phase of an attacking corner.
Next up is the side’s first home outing of the season, a Monday afternoon match against Burnley at the Kirkby Academy.
Elsewhere, we thought it worth showing those of you on the website this incredible Xabi Alonso-esque goal, scored by striker Josh Sonni-Lambie, for the under-18s in their 5-1 win over Stoke U18s on Saturday!
Josh Sonni-Lambie, that is incredible ???? pic.twitter.com/xxoYcfxRHy
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 18, 2025
Liverpool U21s: Pecsi; Ramsay, Lucky, Nallo (Pinnington 46′), Miles; Davidson (Wright 60′), Pilling, Laffey; Morrison (Ahmed 78′), Danns (Figueroa 60′), Kone-Doherty
Subs not used: Hall
Next Match: Burnley U21s (H) – PL 2 – August 25, 2pm (BST)