Liverpool Win Race for 17-Year-Old Wonderkid Will Wright
Liverpool has secured the signing of 17-year-old striker Will Wright from Salford City, beating Premier League rivals Arsenal to his signature despite Wright having only four senior appearances to his name. The deal, reported to be worth over £200,000 including add-ons, is expected to bring Wright into Liverpool's academy before the 2025–26 season.
Wright has attracted attention across top-flight clubs due to his immense potential. Known as a sharp, intelligent forward with excellent movement and a keen eye for goal, Wright made his senior debut in January during an FA Cup match against Manchester City. Although his first appearance was a brief three-minute cameo, it demonstrated the trust Salford’s coaching staff, led by former Liverpool academy coach Karl Robinson, places in him. Over the 2024–25 season, Wright made four senior appearances and was part of the matchday squad 11 times, having scored more than 50 goals at various levels for Salford City.
How Liverpool Beat Arsenal to the Signing
Arsenal initially had an agreement in place with Salford City and appeared to be ahead in negotiations. However, Arsenal delayed finalizing personal terms and completing the medical examination, which allowed Liverpool to act swiftly. Liverpool completed the necessary formalities quickly and secured Wright’s commitment, with the player signing a three-year contract until June 2028.
Despite Arsenal offering a higher financial package, Wright chose Liverpool due to the professional project they offered and his preference to stay in the North West region. This decisive move by Liverpool underscores their strategic approach to acquiring promising young talent and strengthening their youth ranks.