Liverpool agree contract extension as academy decision made

Liverpool Football Club has reached an agreement with academy director Alex Inglethorpe to extend his contract, a move that demonstrates the club’s continued commitment to its youth development pathway and coincides with a major £20 million redevelopment of the Academy’s facilities at Kirkby, set for completion in 2028[2]. Inglethorpe, who has led the Academy since 2014 and previously coached the U21s after joining from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012, has been integral to producing a steady stream of first-team talent, including notable graduates Curtis Jones and Conor Bradley[2].

This renewal follows a summer of significant transition for Liverpool’s youth setup, with longstanding coaches Barry Lewtas (U21s) and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (U18s) departing their roles[2]. In response, Liverpool appointed ex-Wales national team manager Rob Page to oversee the U21s and brought in Simon Wiles, formerly of Manchester United, as U18s head coach[2]. The reshaping of the Academy’s coaching staff signals an intention to keep evolving the club’s youth structure, both on and off the pitch.

The planned £20 million investment in the Academy infrastructure is described as a “big statement” by Inglethorpe, reflecting the club’s strategy to provide elite facilities that match its ambition for player development[2]. This project follows other recent infrastructure developments, such as the expansion of Anfield’s stands, construction of the AXA Training Centre at Kirkby, and the transformation of Melwood for the women’s team[2].

The contract extension is not just a reward for Inglethorpe’s past successes—it also positions him to guide Liverpool’s Academy through a new era of investment and competitive expectations[2]. With the reshuffled coaching setup and state-of-the-art facilities on the horizon, Liverpool aims to maintain its reputation as one of the Premier League’s leading producers of homegrown talent[2].