Liverpool have once again boosted their youth ranks by securing a highly regarded talent from their Manchester rivals, this time confirmed directly via social media.
Lucas Alford, a midfielder from Manchester City’s academy, announced on Instagram that he is joining the Reds, sharing pictures in Liverpool training gear and signing his contract with the club.
Liverpool Deepen Rivalry with Another City Academy Recruit
This isn’t Liverpool’s first success in signing promising young players from City. Last year, they brought in defender Lucas Clarke, who is now progressing well with the U18s.
Alford, 16, who has captained City’s youth teams and impressed at national competitions over the past year, continues that trend. He offers versatility by playing both as a holding midfielder and a box-to-box No.8, along with strong leadership skills.
He’ll join Liverpool’s talented U16 squad at Kirkby, which includes players like Joshua Abe, Erik Farkas, and Vincent Joseph.
The hope is that, like Clarke, Alford will quickly rise through the youth ranks and eventually compete for a place in the senior team.
Liverpool’s Clear Pathway Gives Them an Advantage Over City
Liverpool have a strong reputation for promoting academy graduates into first-team football. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, and Rio Ngumoha have all made the jump successfully.
Despite the fierce rivalry between the clubs, connections are growing. Pep Lijnders, a member of Liverpool’s coaching staff, is currently working at the Etihad, and two former City youth players may soon break into Liverpool’s senior squad.
Signing young talents like Alford reinforces Liverpool’s ongoing resurgence against Pep Guardiola’s City. As the reigning Premier League champions progress under Arne Slot, even City’s brightest prospects seem to recognize the benefits of wearing red.
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