Liverpool expand overseas search for young players

Liverpool’s global talent department, led by Matt Newberry since winter 2024, plays a major role in finding young players overseas. Academy director Alex Inglethorpe says the club recruits nationally at age 14 and looks globally after that. He says young English players now command a premium, though whether paying it is worthwhile remains to be seen. [1]

In January 2026, Liverpool signed Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18, for about £1m plus add-ons after scouts spotted him at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. The club held video calls and sent representatives to Senegal before the move. Under-21 coach Rob Page says Ndiaye is developing well but still has plenty of work ahead. [1]

Liverpool also made a £2.6m move for Austrian centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, after the tournament. He is on loan at Levante while seeking a UK work permit. Colombian midfielder Samuel Martinez, 17, is due to join in summer 2027. The club has also confirmed moves for Belgian goalkeeper Lucca Brughmans and French forward Djylian N’Guessan, both 18, with permanent arrivals planned for 2027. [1]