Liverpool could sign four exciting youngsters in academy level revolution
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Liverpool are reportedly set to hand Arne Slot four exciting new youngsters to work with after criticism that the Dutchman is continually overlooking the academy.Reds fans became used to seeing Jurgen Klopp give chances to their best young players, but have been disappointed that the trend has not continued under Slot.However, after insiders acknowledged the end of a ‘cycle’ of talent within the Liverpool academy, there is more quality needed. And according to journalist David Lynch, the Reds are making steps to add a quartet of top prospects to Slot’s options next season.
Who would you rather see at Liverpool next season, Diomande or Barcola? 🤔 One of the most exciting teens in Europe vs a Champions League winner… Photo by Oliver Kaelke/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images Liverpool’s youth ranks to receive influx of talentOver the weekend, reports emerged that Liverpool are in the mix to sign Kennet Eichhorn, a standout 16-year-old talent already playing for Hertha Berlin.And, writing on his Substack, Lynch confirms that, although Liverpool cannot sign Eichhorn until he turns 18 in 2027, they are one of the clubs ‘trying to strike a deal’ which would come into effect on his 18th birthday.Meanwhile, there appears to be more certainty around Colombian talent, Samuel Martinez, who is ‘closing in’ on joining. Like Eichhorn, the 17-year-old Martinez could move to Liverpool after turning 18.Lynch also reports that the Reds will sign two youngsters much closer to home, in Celtic centre-back Dara Jikiemi, 16, and striker Michael Mulholland, a 15-year-old who will reportedly sign from Northern Irish club Crusaders.Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Liverpool have a new plan for Giorgi Mamardashvili after blocking Alisson from joining JuventusMulholland is said to have once scored 256 goals in a single season in youth-team football, while Jikiemi is claimed to be a ‘long-term target’ whose contract will expire in the coming weeks.Both young players should be expected to go into the Liverpool U18 team as they begin their ascent towards the senior side.Liverpool change approach to academy transfersAccording to Lynch, these four deals can be considered as the latest sign of Liverpool’s changing approach to recruitment.In the past, the Reds have preferred to go for players in the 23 to 25 age bracket, players who have already proven themselves at a good level.
Who has been the most disappointing Liverpool signing? 😬 However, it is now becoming increasingly difficult to sign quality players for fees like the ones Liverpool paid for Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the 2010s, all of whom arrived for less than £40m.As a result, Liverpool are reportedly betting on younger talent in the hope that they can develop into first-team players and stay at the club for longer.This is not only prevalent in the first-team, but also at academy level, where the Reds’ improving financial status is said to be a driving factor behind being able to plough more money into youth team recruitment.Furthermore, Liverpool’s decision to finally pull the trigger on a young player from South America is significant. The Reds are said to have privately acknowledged that this is an area they have lagged behind their rivals in, and are now ready to be more ‘aggressive’ in recruiting from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia and the rest of the continent.