Liverpool secure scholarship for 15-year-old winger Josh Abe ahead of Man Utd and Chelsea

Liverpool have secured a scholarship for highly-rated winger Josh Abe, 15, fending off reported interest from Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea to keep the teenager at Anfield. Abe is among the latest intake of first-year scholars at the club’s Academy and is set to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 in July 2026.

Abe has been at Liverpool since the age of four and announced himself emphatically during the 2024-25 season, scoring eight goals in ten U18 Premier League North appearances after making his under-18 debut in September under Simon Wiles. His campaign was cut short in March by a knee injury sustained while on international duty with England U16s.

Before that setback, Abe had already made history: coming off the bench during Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League round-of-32 defeat at MSK Zilina in Slovakia in February, he became the youngest player ever to represent the club in the competition. He had also trained alongside the first team, underlining the regard in which the club holds him.

His performances drew attention beyond England’s borders. Earlier this year Abe was given a tour of Real Madrid’s facilities, having signed with Tyler Alexander-Arnold’s PLG Agency, which was recently acquired by Gersh. Despite that outside interest, Liverpool moved decisively to retain him.

Abe is expected to return to full fitness for pre-season. With several senior squad members away on World Cup duty, he could join the first team for their US tour next month, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Should Abe link up with the senior squad, he would likely work under Andoni Iraola, who has reached a verbal agreement on a two-year deal to become Liverpool’s new head coach. The former Bournemouth manager is set to replace Arne Slot, who was sacked on Saturday.