Liverpool sign young defender from Man City, making an early move ahead of January transfer window

Liverpool have continued to strengthen their academy by signing 16-year-old defender Lucas Clarke from Manchester City. This move is part of their ongoing effort to secure the most talented young players in the country. Clarke, a left-sided centre-back, will join the club’s under-16s squad.

On Instagram, Clarke expressed his excitement, writing: “Delighted to have signed for @liverpoolfc can’t wait to get started #ynwa.”

This follows Liverpool’s acquisition of Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea in September. Ngumoha, a 16-year-old attacker, had caught the attention of Chelsea, who promoted him to their under-21s and offered him a new contract. However, he was enticed to Merseyside by a scholarship offer and the promise of a clearer path to the first team at Liverpool. Players like Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, and Trey Nyoni, who have successfully made the jump to the senior squad in recent years, offer hope to other young players at the club.

Arne Slot, who was appointed to replace Jurgen Klopp, was hired in part because of his track record of developing young talent at his former club Feyenoord. Slot shared his philosophy in his first Liverpool press conference: “I like to see good players and if they are old or young, that doesn’t matter that much.” He added, “It’s always nice for a club and team that young players come through the ranks. That always gives energy to a club. In the end, it’s all about the quality. If they continue doing well, there will be a fair chance that they will play.”

After Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League last month, Slot emphasized the significance of the academy, highlighting Conor Bradley’s impressive performance. He said, “It is nice for him, his family and us but also for the academy. Not only him… Caoimhin [Kelleher] and Curtis [Jones] were outstanding. To have three academy players doing so well is a big compliment for the academy.”

In addition to Ngumoha, Liverpool has also signed other young players from rival academies in recent years, such as Nyoni (Leicester), Amara Nallo (West Ham), and Kornel Misciur (Hull City). These moves follow the successes of Ben Doak, who joined from Celtic in 2022, Stefan Bajcetic from Celta Vigo, and Bobby Clark, who arrived from Newcastle in 2022 before being sold to Red Bull Salzburg for £10 million last summer.

James McConnell (Sunderland) and Calum Scanlon (Birmingham City) are among other recruits from rival academies. With its growing reputation, Liverpool’s academy looks set to continue developing top-tier talent, and Clarke will work under U16s coach Lewis Nightingale upon his arrival.