Abe’s commitment is a huge boost to Liverpool Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
June 3, 2026 Updated 7:24 am EDT
England youth international Josh Abe has turned down interest from a host of Premier League clubs to commit his future to Liverpool.
The 15-year-old winger, who is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents at the Kirkby academy and has been linked to Manchester City and Chelsea, has signed scholarship terms with a pre-contract agreement in place for a three-year professional deal to start when he turns 17 in July 2027.
It’s a huge boost for Liverpool after months of discussions which were led by Fenway Sports Group technical director Julian Ward.
Sources familiar with the process, who asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, stating that the youngster was offered pro terms of up to £50,000 per week from Premier League rivals to move away from Liverpool.
Ultimately, after taking time to weigh up his options, Abe and his family decided that the pathway available to the first-team at Liverpool meant that his interests would be best served by staying put.
An impressive season for him at youth level was ended prematurely by a knee injury while playing for England Under-16s in a tournament in Turkey in February.
However, he’s set to be fit for pre-season and will be included in the first-team squad for next month’s tour of the United States which involves friendlies in Nashville, New York and Chicago. Abe will also be given a first-team squad number for the 2026-27 season.
From Warrington, 20 miles east of Liverpool, Abe has come up through the ranks at Kirkby since joining the pre-academy aged four. He was spotted by scouts playing for a junior club in his home town.
Abe has been fast-tracked into Liverpool’s Under-18s (Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Liverpool had to beat off competition from Manchester City before Abe officially signed for their under-nines. He’s always been regarded by coaches as the most gifted in his age group.
In February, he was handed his UEFA Youth League debut against MSK Zilina and celebrated his first hat-trick for Liverpool Under-18s in a 6-1 win over Leeds United.
He was invited to train with Arne Slot’s squad on several occasions last season and the expectation is that his development will continue under the guidance of Andoni Iraola, who has reached a verbal agreement to become the club’s new head coach.
Jun 3, 2026
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