Liverpool has got a reputation as a fine finishing school for the best young talents around.
The likes of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni are firm fixtures in the first-team picture under Arne Slot – emphasising what is possible when youngsters take the plunge and sign a deal at Anfield.
But there is a sense that right now that pipeline might be ruptured.
Young talents are heading off elsewhere as there isn’t the same number of opportunities available to them as there was in previous years.
Perhaps the exit of Jurgen Klopp has had an effect – with the perception being that the German was more likely that Arne Slot to throw a young player in at the deep end when required.
Liverpool youngsters could leave
There are fears that Keyrol Figueroa will leave this summer when his contract is up. The USA under-20 international appeared to be on the cusp of a breakthrough but has found himself too often at Premier League 2 level.
Similarly Josh Abe is becoming one of the most coveted teenage players in England. If he isn’t convinced that chances are going to materialise at Anfield then he will be off to Manchester City, Real Madrid or elsewhere.
One player who took the plunge back in winter was Trent Kone-Doherty.
The Ireland U21 international was out of contract in summer 2026 and Liverpool took the decision to accept a €750k offer from Norwegian side Molde.
TKD leaves Liverpool
The 19-year-old reasoned quite rightly that chances were not going to come under Slot – having made only a couple of first-team appearances in two seasons.
With Slot favourite Cody Gakpo as well as Ngumoha ahead of him in the left-wing pecking order TKD had to strike out on his own for senior football.
“I was ready to start playing senior football, but at that moment I wasn’t getting that at Liverpool,” he told the Irish Independent.
“For me, it was about going somewhere where I could get some experience in senior football.
“I felt like it was the next step for me. Once you get a taste for the first team, it makes you eager for more.
“It wasn’t an easy decision. My whole life was in Liverpool. I had three years there, but I think it was best for my career. I had to make the decision in the end. You just have to be brave sometimes and take control of your career.
“It can be tough to break through, especially when you’re at those top clubs. It takes a lot of patience. Sometimes, you just need to make a decision.”
Kone-Doherty’s experience may well be a warning to Arne Slot and Richard Hughes over what happens when young players think they won’t get a chance. They will seek moves elsewhere.
