Liverpool are running out of steam in the race to sign the world’s top stars, but they have every right to hope for the young players in their academy. Analysis by Anfield Watch.

At youth level, money and trophies are not the main factors, instead players just want to focus on developing themselves. They want to give themselves the best chance to develop their careers and this is one of the reasons why Liverpool’s academy has become such a destination for so many incredible talents.

The Merseyside Reds have worked hard to show their young players that a move to Anfield is the perfect and shortest route to the professional level . While rivals often look to the transfer market for solutions, former coach Jurgen Klopp often looks to the youth team.

That’s why the likes of Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Kaide Gordon, Ben Doak, Jayden Danns, Lewis Koumas and Stefan Bajcetic have all been given opportunities in the last 18 months, while star names like Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and, crucially, Trent Alexander-Arnold have all come through the club’s academy.

Trent is the most outstanding “product” of Liverpool academy in recent years.

Trey Nyoni signed from Leicester City last summer and after impressing for the Under-18s, he made his debut for the Under-21s before becoming Liverpool’s youngest ever FA Cup player when he replaced Elliott in the win over Southampton, aged just 16 years and 243 days.

Amara Nallo joined the academy from West Ham last summer. The 16-year-old centre-back has been making appearances for the Under-21s since arriving. He even caught the eye when Under-23s coach Barry Lewtas praised him last November. What makes the Anfield club so attractive to top young talent?

Firstly, Liverpool always try to keep their promises to wonderkids once those promises are made. Secondly, Liverpool do not make empty promises but carefully lay out a roadmap for young talents and their parents, showing them the path to the first team and the conditions that come from the player.

Bradley could be the next big star to come through the Liverpool academy.

That’s why Alvin Ayman and Rio Ngumoha could well choose to move to the Merseyside Reds this summer, despite interest from other top clubs. Ayman and Nguhoma are young players, of course, but the Anfield outfit have always managed to turn them into something special, just as they have done for years.

The road to Liverpool’s first team is a tough one, and only a handful of players make it. But playing for the club’s youth teams is a huge plus for teenage talent who might otherwise leave for smaller clubs.

Manchester City have had great success selling their academy products in recent years, and so have Chelsea. It’s part of the club’s business strategy. If young players don’t make the breakthrough to Liverpool’s first team, selling them can generate significant cash to help the club strengthen their squad.