Liverpool’s academy had a slightly quiet year with regards to seeing debuts in the first-team this season.

After a remarkable 2023/24 in which Jurgen Klopp seemed to be plucking youngsters out on a weekly basis, Arne Slot has been more reserved in his approach.

The likes of Trey Nyoni and James McConnell have clearly caught Slot’s eye, while there were first-team debuts for Trent Kone-Doherty and Amara Nallo.

Otherwise, Liverpool’s academy has remained largely untouched by the Dutch coach.

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As Rousing The Kop reported earlier this month, however, Slot is set to dip into the Liverpool youth teams ahead of pre-season.

The Liverpool head coach is understood to be targeting the next generation of potential first-team players to play some part in the summer schedule.

And after news emerged that the Reds are fighting hard to keep defender Wellity Lucky, it’s clear that he could be one of those in Slot’s thinking.

Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images

Lucky may not be a player who is hugely familiar to the majority of Liverpool fans.

However, the 19-year-old has quietly been rising through the ranks.

Lucky has been described as ‘rock-solid‘ by U21 coach Barry Lewtas after turning in some excellent displays alongside Nallo.

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Also capable of playing at right-back, the Spanish-born defender offers a potential option to support Conor Bradley and the incoming Jeremie Frimpong.

And according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are planning ahead with Lucky.

As he reported on Wednesday, the Reds have offered the youngster a new, four-year deal amid interest from European clubs.

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“Understand Liverpool have offered new 4 year deal to 19 year old talented centre back Wellity Lucky,” says Romano.

“Current contract ends this summer and Liverpool are trying to keep him while clubs in Spain and Germany are also in negotiations trying to sign him.”

Given how poorly Nallo’s debut went back in February, there is a possibility that Lucky has jumped ahead of the 18-year-old in Slot’s thinking.

NameWellity LuckyDate of Birth12/01/2006 (19)Nationality SpanishFormer ClubReal ZaragozaPositionCentre-back, right-backJoined LFC U13

That may be harsh, but Nallo did not have a single sniff of the first-team after his sending off against PSV Eindhoven.

There are other promising defenders in the academy such as Carter Pinnington, but Liverpool’s desire to tie Lucky down suggests they are hopeful of a first-team breakthrough.

The Reds are clearly on the hunt for a centre-back in the summer transfer market, but with options currently a little on the slim side, Lucky may find himself thrown in during pre-season.

They can’t let him go before running the rule over him.

Clearly, there is also a chance that the teenager is plucked from Liverpool and ends up leaving for Europe.