The Kop’s future isn’t just written in the transfer market—it’s being shaped on the training pitches of Kirkby, where Liverpool’s academy continues to produce players who can step into Arne Slot’s system. The question isn’t whether talent exists, but which prospects will make the leap from youth football to the Premier League stage.
Trey Nyoni
The 17-year-old midfielder arrived from Leicester City’s academy in 2023 and has already trained with the first team under both Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot. Nyoni operates as a central midfielder with exceptional close control and vision, able to receive the ball under pressure and turn forward. His physical development will determine how quickly he can handle the demands of senior football, but his technical foundation is already at a level that catches the eye in training sessions.
Ben Doak
The Scottish winger, signed from Celtic in 2022, has pace and directness that fits the modern game. Doak’s natural instinct is to take on defenders one-on-one, cutting inside from the right flank onto his left foot. Injuries interrupted his 2024/25 development, but his loan spell at Middlesbrough in early 2025 provided valuable Championship minutes. At 19, he needs consistent game time to refine his decision-making in the final third.
Bobby Clark
Clark, son of former Newcastle midfielder Lee Clark, is a versatile attacking midfielder who can also operate on the wings. His intelligence in finding space between the lines and his ability to play quick combinations make him a natural fit for Slot’s positional play. A loan move to a Championship side in 2025/26 could accelerate his development, as first-team opportunities at Liverpool remain competitive.
James McConnell
A defensive midfielder with excellent reading of the game, McConnell has impressed in Liverpool’s youth setup with his ability to break up play and distribute quickly. He made his senior debut in the 2023/24 season and has continued to train with the first team. His composure on the ball and tactical awareness suggest he could develop into a reliable option for the deeper midfield role, though he faces competition from established players.
Lewis Koumas
The Welsh forward, son of former Tranmere Rovers striker Jason Koumas, is a natural goalscorer with a powerful left foot. Koumas has scored consistently at youth levels and made his senior debut in the FA Cup in early 2024. His movement in the box and finishing ability are his standout attributes, but he must improve his link-up play to thrive in a system that demands collective pressing and combination football.
Jayden Danns
Danns, a striker who broke into the first-team conversation during the 2023/24 season, offers a different profile to Liverpool’s senior forwards. He is a penalty-box predator with strong aerial ability and good hold-up play. His brace against Southampton in the FA Cup in February 2024 demonstrated his instinct for goal. The challenge for Danns is finding space in a squad that already has established attacking options.
Kaide Gordon
Gordon’s journey has been complicated by injuries since his move from Derby County in 2021. The winger showed immense promise early on, becoming one of Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorers in the FA Cup. His dribbling ability and composure in one-on-one situations remain his strengths. A successful loan spell in the Championship during 2024/25 would be crucial for his development after missing significant time.
Harvey Elliott
While Elliott is now an established first-team player, he remains a product of the academy pathway worth noting. Signed from Fulham as a 16-year-old in 2019, he has developed into a creative midfielder capable of playing in multiple attacking roles. His vision and passing range make him a valuable option for Slot’s system, though his defensive contributions continue to be an area for growth.
Stefan Bajcetic
The Spanish midfielder burst onto the scene in the 2022/23 season before injuries slowed his progress. Bajcetic’s ability to play as a defensive midfielder or centre-back gives him tactical flexibility. His composure on the ball and reading of the game are advanced for his age. A successful loan spell at Red Bull Salzburg in 2024/25 could help him regain match sharpness and confidence.
Conor Bradley
The Northern Irish right-back has already shown he can compete at Premier League level, filling in admirably for Trent Alexander-Arnold during injury periods in the 2023/24 season. Bradley’s energy, defensive discipline, and willingness to overlap make him a modern full-back. His challenge is that Alexander-Arnold’s role in the team is evolving, but Bradley has proven he can be a reliable deputy and potential long-term option.
Jarell Quansah
Quansah’s emergence as a first-team centre-back has been one of the academy’s success stories. The Warrington-born defender made his senior debut in 2023 and quickly established himself as a reliable option. His pace, composure on the ball, and ability to play out from the back fit Slot’s tactical requirements. Quansah’s development will be monitored closely as Liverpool consider their long-term defensive options.
Mateusz Musiałowski
The Polish winger, signed from SMS Lodz in 2020, is known for his dribbling ability and flair. Musiałowski has impressed at youth levels with his ability to beat defenders in tight spaces. However, the step to senior football requires more consistency in decision-making and physical development. His future at Liverpool may depend on a successful loan move to test himself in senior football.
Dominic Corness
The central midfielder, who captained Liverpool’s under-18s, is known for his passing range and set-piece delivery. Corness has been compared to a traditional deep-lying playmaker, dictating play from deeper positions. His development has been steady, but breaking into a midfield that includes established internationals remains a significant challenge.
Melkamu Frauendorf
The German midfielder, who can also play as a forward, has shown versatility in Liverpool’s youth setup. Frauendorf’s ability to play across the front line and midfield makes him a useful squad player at youth level. His physical development and decision-making in the final third will determine whether he can make the step to senior football.
Oakley Cannonier
Cannonier gained attention as the ball boy who provided the quick throw for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s corner in the 2019 Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. He has since developed into a striker with good movement and finishing ability. His goal-scoring record at youth level has been impressive, but the gap to senior football remains substantial.
Harvey Blair
The winger, who can also play as a striker, has pace and directness that make him a threat in transition. Blair made his senior debut in the Carabao Cup in 2021 but has since focused on development at youth level. His future may involve a loan move to gain senior experience before assessing his long-term prospects at Anfield.
What to Check
When evaluating academy prospects, keep in mind that youth football statistics and performances don’t always translate to senior level. Physical development, tactical adaptation, and mental resilience are key factors. For the most current information on loan moves, injuries, and first-team involvement, refer to latest Liverpool news and official club communications.
Player development timelines vary significantly. Some prospects break through at 18, others need loan spells until their early 20s. Liverpool’s academy has a strong track record, but not every talented youngster will make the grade at Anfield. For updates on player fitness and availability, check Liverpool injury updates.
The tactical system under Arne Slot places specific demands on players. Technical ability, positional intelligence, and work rate are prerequisites. For a deeper understanding of how academy players might fit into the first team, explore our analysis of Liverpool’s possession game.
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