Liverpool’s seemingly sudden willingness to sell their young players is a result of various factors, rather than an order from new manager Arne Slot, 90min understands.
Fans have voiced concerns on social media as Liverpool continue to entertain the departures of a number of young talents.
Fabio Carvalho left for Brentford in a deal worth up to £27.5m, while the likes of Ben Doak, Bobby Clark and Sepp van den Berg are all facing uncertain futures at Anfield over the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
Young players played a huge role in Liverpool’s 2023/24 campaign, including their famous triumph over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, but sources have confirmed to 90min that such a level of exposure was not planned for their academy talents and was largely forced upon them by injuries.
Liverpool’s decision-makers have long assessed those trying to break through into the senior squad and, with the help of the new hierarchy in place at Anfield, have come to the conclusion that a sort of clear-out was needed.
Among those awaiting a final decision on their future is winger Doak, who struggled with injuries last season. While Liverpool and new manager Slot are still assessing the 18-year-old, he could still leave on loan or even depart permanently for the right price. Leicester City, Southampton and Al Nassr are all interested.
Slot is also keen to look at 19-year-old midfielder Bobby Clark who, like Doak, is now back from injury. Red Bull Salzburg, now led by Jurgen Klopp’s former assistant Pep Lijnders, have seen a bid of £8m rejected but negotiations over a sale remain ongoing.
Fabio Carvalho was sold to Brentford / Ed Sykes/GettyImages
Liverpool’s hand was somewhat forced in the case of Carvalho. The 21-year-old midfielder had caught Slot’s eye in pre-season and also impressed Liverpool officials during his loan with Hull City last year, but Carvalho made it clear this summer that he wanted a more significant role this season and the Reds had to consider his feelings.
Similarily, centre-back Van den Berg has openly admitted his desire to leave Liverpool this summer due to concerns over the pathway to the first team. The Dutchman played plenty of minutes in pre-season but still has interest from across Europe and could be sold after entering the final two years of his contract. Liverpool value Van den Berg at around £20m.
Liverpool had not planned for such a spotlight to be shone on their young talent and have been working behind the scenes to try and improve their academy ranks, including a deal to sign highly rated 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea.
The door to the first team remains open for the top performers in Liverpool’s academy, such as 17-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni.
Having made his debut last season under Klopp, the teenager has also impressed Slot this summer and the decision has already been made to keep Nyoni around for the coming campaign, in which he is expected to see reasonable senior minutes.
