Will Wright has been named on Liverpool’s first-team bench for the first time vs. Crystal Palace, with the 18-year-old striker capping an impressive campaign.
Player Profile: Will Wright
Full Name: William Stephen WrightAge: 18 (Apr 3, 2008)Height: 6’3″ (190cm)Birthplace: Preston, England
Signed From: Salford CityPosition: StrikerFoot: LeftTransfer Fee: £200,000 (€173,000)
Wright took his place among the substitutes for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, having been involved in senior training throughout the week.
His presence comes with Hugo Ekitike ruled out for the rest of the year with a ruptured Achilles and could hint at long-term plans for the summer signing from Salford City.
So who is Will Wright and what can Liverpool fans expect?
When did Liverpool sign Will Wright?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz being subbed off for new signing Will Wright during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool signed Wright from League Two side Salford City in August 2025, with the striker then still only 17 but having already made his first-team debut.
The Reds faced stiff competition from Arsenal but were able to convince the youngster to join despite the London side offering a more lucrative package in terms of transfer fee and wages.
This Is Anfield understands a fee of around £200,000 was agreed with Salford City and Wright signed a three-year contract to tie him to Anfield until 2028.
That was the longest deal he could commit to as they are his first professional terms.
Wright then played for the first team in their final pre-season friendly against Athletic Club at Anfield just hours after his signing was confirmed – replacing Florian Wirtz and almost scoring with one of his first touches.
Will Wright: Strengths, weaknesses & style of play
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, March 1, 2026: Liverpool's Will Wright during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Tottenham Hotspur FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. Liverpool won 4-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A tall, strong striker, Wright is very much in the mould of a classic centre-forward who is able to lead the line on his own.
He is a hard-pressing forward whose height and strength have allowed him to stand out at U21s level this season despite only having turned 18 earlier this month.
Wright is a strong all-round finisher, able to score with his right, left and his head, while his linkup play with his fellow attackers has developed throughout the season.
His movement shows the tactical intelligence of a player considerably older and he is also capable of creating for those around him with his hold-up play.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 17, 2025: Liverpool's Will Wright goes down with an injury during the UEFA Youth League match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and Atletico Madrid Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
There are still areas he can improve in, of course, not least his fitness over the course of 90 minutes – but that is to be expected of an 18-year-old in his first season at a top-level club.
To that end, Wright spent almost four months on the sidelines with a serious knee injury suffered in September against Atletico Madrid U19s, but he has scored four and assisted five in his last 10 games since.
What have coaches said about Will Wright?
BURTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 2, 2025: Liverpool's Will Wright (L) challenges Burton Albion's Finn Delap during the English Football League Trophy Northern Group H match between Burton Albion FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at The Burton Albion FC Stadium. Burton won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking to The Redmen TV‘s Dan Clubbe after Wright scored one and assisted the other in a 4-2 victory over Tottenham U21s last month, U21s head coach Rob Page hailed him as a striker he “wouldn’t want to play against”:
“I played centre-half most of my career, and I wouldn’t want to play against Will.
“He works his socks off. He never gives up. His physicality is exceptional.
“There are aspects of his game we’ve got to work on, of course, but he’s been brought in to develop. It’s all part of the process for him.
“When you’ve got a foundation of work rate, effort and physicality, that gives you a great chance to get on in the game. He’s a big part of the team.”
And in an interview with LiverpoolFC.com after the same game, Page described Wright as a “proper striker”:
“Will is a proper striker. He loves a battle and he is all for the battle. He grinds the opposition defenders down.
“For his goal, I thought it was a great first touch and a great finish.
“I’m really pleased for him because of all the work and effort he puts in. He deserves his rewards.”