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Introduction
As the 2024–25 season wraps up, Liverpool FC has officially confirmed a wave of changes behind the scenes, particularly within the Academy. The release of the club’s Premier League retained list has revealed the departure of seven young players whose contracts have expired, while several others have been offered new deals to stay and continue their development.
These updates might not grab as many headlines as big-name transfers, but they play a huge role in shaping the club’s long-term future. With new manager Arne Slot at the helm, this summer is turning out to be more than just a pre-season reset. It’s a deep restructuring, one that reflects both the club’s past investment in youth and its future ambitions.
Seven Young Players Set to Leave the Club
According to the Premier League’s official retained list submitted by Liverpool, the following players will leave the club at the end of their contracts:
- Dominic Corness
- Louis Enahoro-Marcus
- Harry Evers
- Lee Jonas
- Jakub Ojrzynski
- Jacob Poytress
- Reece Trueman
Each of these young men has spent key years of their development at Liverpool and represented the club at various youth levels. Some had loan spells to gain senior experience, while others stayed closer to Kirkby.
Dominic Corness, often referred to as “The Wand” because of his excellent left foot and passing range, is perhaps the most notable name on the list. The 22-year-old midfielder had been with the club since he was five and was seen as one of the most technically gifted players to come through the system. He spent time on loan at Yverdon Sport in Switzerland and later at Gillingham, but now finds himself at a crossroads as he leaves the Reds in search of regular first-team football.
Jakub Ojrzynski, also 22, was a promising Polish goalkeeper who joined Liverpool from Legia Warsaw in 2019. He had a few loan spells, including a stint in the Swedish second tier with Utsiktens BK. While he didn’t break into the first team, his experience in multiple leagues should serve him well as he seeks a new challenge.
Lee Jonas, a solid central defender with England youth caps, had been seen as a future prospect in earlier years but never quite made the final step. Louis Enahoro-Marcus and Harry Evers, two other defenders, alongside goalkeepers Jacob Poytress and Reece Trueman, round off the list of departures.
The club, in a short statement, thanked all seven for their contributions and wished them the best for the future. These players might not have made senior appearances, but they were an important part of Liverpool’s development pipeline and contributed to the high standards that exist at all levels of the club.
Eight Young Talents Offered New Deals
While some doors have closed, others are being held wide open. Reds has offered new contracts to eight young players, signalling continued belief in their potential:
- Kareem Ahmed
- Emmanuel Airoboma
- Keyrol Figueroa
- Kyle Kelly
- Michael Laffey
- Wellity Lucky
- Terence Miles
- Ranel Young
Among these names, Keyrol Figueroa stands out. The American-born striker is the son of former Premier League defender Maynor Figueroa and has been in great form at youth level. He’s a clinical finisher with pace and positional awareness that could see him push for senior consideration in the near future. His international prospects have also generated interest, as he’s eligible to represent both the USA and Honduras.
Ranel Young, a tricky winger who joined Liverpool’s youth ranks from Huddersfield Town, has already made strides toward the senior setup. He was on the bench during Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton in October 2024, and his attacking creativity has made him a standout at U21 level.
Wellity Lucky, a defender known for his athleticism and ball-playing ability, has also been on the radar for some time. He brings physical presence and leadership to the backline, and Liverpool’s decision to retain him shows the coaching staff sees potential that’s yet to be fully unlocked.
Offering new deals to players like Kareem Ahmed, Michael Laffey, and Terence Miles reflects Liverpool’s long-term planning. These players may not be household names yet, but if nurtured properly, they could follow the path of others who gradually rose through the ranks like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones.
The Bigger Picture Under Arne Slot
These youth movements come at a time when Liverpool is entering a fresh era. Arne Slot, who officially took over after Jürgen Klopp’s departure, is expected to blend the club’s existing identity with his own ideas and tactics.
Slot has a track record of working with young players during his time at Feyenoord, where he developed several players into top-level professionals. It’s likely he’ll bring that same energy to Merseyside. And while much of the attention this summer will be on big-money signings, how Slot handles Liverpool’s Academy prospects will also be closely watched. Youth players at Liverpool don’t just fill squad gaps they often become integral parts of the team. That tradition seems set to continue.
Senior Transfers Add More Layers
Of course, the summer activity isn’t limited to the Academy. The club has already made several senior moves in the transfer market. Liverpool completed the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million, providing a ready-made replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently secured a move to Real Madrid. Frimpong’s attacking instincts and speed make him a natural fit for the way Liverpool like to play.
There’s also the expected arrival of Milos Kerkez, the Bournemouth left-back who had a breakout season in 2024–25. Liverpool reportedly agreed on a fee in the region of £40 million. He will likely compete with Andrew Robertson and provide depth in a position that needed it.
Perhaps the most ambitious move of the window is the club’s improved £113 million bid for Florian Wirtz, the Leverkusen midfielder who lit up the Bundesliga last season. With personal terms already agreed, this could be one of the biggest signings in Premier League history if it goes through. These moves show that Reds is not resting on its laurels. The club is clearly investing in both immediate success and long-term growth.
Conclusion
The release of seven Academy players may seem like a minor footnote in the larger world of football transfers, but it’s actually a key piece of the puzzle. These decisions free up space, allow for a more focused development environment, and make room for the next group of young hopefuls. At the same time, retaining eight young players reflects a continued belief in homegrown talent, something that’s become a core part of the club’s identity over the last decade. These players will have opportunitiesnot just to train with the first team, but potentially to make their mark at Anfield or out on loan.
For Liverpool fans, this is a time to pay attention. Yes, it’s exciting to welcome stars from across Europe. But it’s just as important to recognize the quiet progress happening behind the scenes the shaping of the next generation. As the Reds prepare for the 2025–26 season, they’ll do so with a mix of new faces, familiar names, and rising stars all aiming to write the next chapter of Liverpool Football Club.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com