Liverpool’s academy stars continue to shine – but who should fans keep a close eye on?

Liverpool FC’s academy has long been a cornerstone of the club’s success, producing players who not only bolster the first team but also become significant contributors in global football. With names like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott showcasing the academy’s potential, there is a renewed focus on the current crop of talent. Recent developments, loans, and sales have stirred mixed emotions among fans, but there are plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.

Stefan Bajčetić’s spell in Salzburg

Stefan Bajčetić is a name on every Liverpool fan’s radar. The 20-year-old defensive midfielder broke into the first team during the 2022/23 season, showing maturity beyond his years. However, injuries and competition in a stacked midfield saw his opportunities limited last season.

This season, Bajčetić is on loan at Red Bull Salzburg, a club renowned for nurturing young talent like Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai. The Austrian Bundesliga offers Bajčetić a platform to regain his confidence, develop his game, and potentially return to Anfield stronger. Salzburg’s track record of developing players into top-tier stars bodes well for Bajčetić, and fans will be hoping to see him fulfil his early promise.

Can Kaide Gordon bounce back from injury?

Kaide Gordon is another academy product whose trajectory seemed unstoppable until a long-term injury derailed his progress. Having made history as Liverpool’s second-youngest Premier League scorer in 2021, Gordon was tipped for stardom.

After being recalled from a challenging loan spell at Norwich City, Gordon now faces the challenge of rediscovering his rhythm. If he can navigate his recovery and recapture the form that made him one of England’s brightest prospects, he could still make a significant impact at Liverpool.

Concerns over academy priorities

The summer departures of promising players like Bobby Clark to Red Bull Salzburg raised questions about the academy’s priorities. Many fans were concerned that financial decisions were being prioritised over long-term development. This was particularly disheartening after the academy played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup triumph in 2024.

However, the emergence of players like Jarell Quansah, Ben Doak, Owen Beck, and Rio Ngumoha has restored faith in the academy’s vision. Quansah, a commanding presence in defence, has become a dependable rotation option for the first team. Doak, a dazzling winger, has shown glimpses of his immense talent and is now performing to a high level in the Championship in Middlesbrough, while Beck (on loan at Blackburn Rovers) and Ngumoha, the former Chelsea academy star who debuted in the FA Cup this past weekend, are steadily climbing the ranks. These players embody the academy’s commitment to producing versatile, high-quality talent capable of bridging the gap to the first team.

What lies on the road ahead?

Liverpool’s academy success is often measured by the number of players who transition into regular first-team roles. Harvey Elliott is the latest example of this pathway, having cemented his place in Liverpool’s midfield at just 21 years old. The current generation has the potential to follow in his footsteps.

With a blend of resilience, opportunity, and Liverpool’s storied culture of player development, the likes of Bajčetić, Gordon, and Doak could become the next Anfield stars. For now, their journeys serve as a reminder of the academy’s vital role in shaping Liverpool’s future.

Liverpool’s academy continues to be a pillar of hope for fans and a testament to the club’s long-term vision. While challenges exist, the emergence of new talents and the resilience of players like Bajčetić and Gordon underscore the academy’s enduring importance. The next chapter of Liverpool’s story may well be written by the young stars rising through its ranks.

_{FEATURED IMAGE: Tom McAtee}