Bobby Duncan was causing a scene at youth level for Liverpool before he departed in 2019 - but where is Steven Gerrard's cousin now?
Bobby Duncan of Liverpool during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool at Prenton Park on July 11, 2019 in Birkenhead, England.
Bobby Duncan spent just one year with Liverpool(Image: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
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Steven Gerrard's cousin Bobby Duncan remains without a club seven years after departing Liverpool in 2019. The former striker could be regarded as a major 'what if' for the club after beginning his career as an impressive young star.
Being related to Gerrard was always going to bring a huge wealth of pressure but Duncan looked to be ready to handle the intensity while progressing through the academy. The 24-year-old began his journey at Mossley Hill and St Helens Town before breaking into the Wigan Athletic academy in 2010.
He was then spotted by Manchester City a year later and spent his time with Liverpool's rivals until 2017. A reported issue over contracts left him on the sidelines for a year before making the move to Anfield.
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Duncan joined his boyhood club for £200,000 in 2018 and the only way seemed to be up for the youngster. He found the net plenty of times alongside fellow forward Paul Glatzel during the 2018/19 campaign, including a late equaliser in the FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City which allowed the Reds to go on and win the trophy on penalties.
During the 2019 pre-season, his career at Liverpool looked to be reaching a peak when he appeared against Tranmere Rovers in the senior squad. The youngster scored in a 6-0 win under Jurgen Klopp and received praise for how at ease he looked on the pitch.
But within a month, things had seemingly gone all wrong for Duncan. His then-representative, Saif Rubie, took to social media to send a barrage of claims about Liverpool's sporting director at the time, Michael Edwards.
Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool talking with Bobby Duncan during a training session on July 17, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana.
Jurgen Klopp gave Duncan his only appearance for the Reds(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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Duncan quote-tweeted the post, which claimed that he was being held against his will by the club and believed he would never pull on a Liverpool shirt again. These allegations also claimed that the youngster was suffering from mental health issues as a result.
Liverpool released a statement in response, which read: "Liverpool Football Club is aware of and disappointed by the unattributed comments and unfounded allegations that have been made in the media regarding one of our players. As the interests of the player in question are not best served by either inaccurate speculation, inflammatory statements or public discourse, we will be making no further comment.
"We will, however, continue our efforts to work privately with the player to find resolution in the best interests of all involved."
Duncan signed a deal worth £1.8million with Fiorentina before the summer ended but didn't settle in Italy. He then moved back to pen a move with Derby County the following year.
Bobby Duncan of England U17s goes down injured during the International Match between England U17 and Portugal U17 at Proact Stadium on November 8, 2017 in Chesterfield, England.
Duncan's career fell off a cliff after leaving Liverpool(Image: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
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It was with the Rams that the attacker eventually made his senior debut, culminating in one solitary appearance in a 2-0 loss to Chorley in the FA Cup. He moved on to Spanish third-division side Linese and played seven games between 2022 and 2023.
Duncan's former agent Rubie told talkSPORT that he encouraged Duncan to stay with Liverpool in 2019 and not to force an exit. However, it was around this time that the striker found his voice and claimed these words weren't true.
Taking to social media in September 2022 to clear the air, Duncan said: "You and I both know the truth. I didn't have a decision nor say. Not once have I spoken upon [sic] this top[ic] in '4 years' as it's been my main priority to get my career back on track. But, yet you think you have the right to mention my name on a live radio show.
"The truth will be told by myself when the time is right. And lastly, just to clarify, there was no advising given as you point blank made your mind up, publicly. And by then the damage had been done."
Nowadays, Duncan is a free agent without a club and last played in April 2023.
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