Liverpool find themselves locked in a high-stakes standoff to retain the services of Joshua Abe, the 15-year-old winger currently regarded as one of the most explosive talents in European youth football.
Despite the club’s best efforts to tie the teenager down to a long-term scholarship, the Anfield hierarchy faces a nervous wait. Elite rivals across the Premier League and Europe are beginning to circle the Kirkby academy. Throughout this, the name Joshua is central to Liverpool’s strategy.
The situation has reached a critical juncture. While Liverpool have formally tabled a scholarship offer, Abe has yet to put pen to paper. Joshua’s decision will ultimately shape the club’s next move.
This delay has put every major scouting department on high alert. Under current regulations, a June 1 deadline looms over the AXA Training Centre if the deadlock remains by then, Abe gains the freedom to speak directly with other clubs. At that point, Joshua’s future will enter a decisive phase.
Manchester City and Chelsea are among the domestic heavyweights monitoring every development linked to the teenager, ready to pounce the moment the window opens.
Real Madrid interest and the PLG agency factor
The scramble for Abe’s signature extends far beyond the borders of the Premier League. The youngster recently visited the Spanish capital for a guided tour of Real Madrid’s world-class facilities. This move sent confusion through the Liverpool fanbase. Meanwhile, Joshua garners global attention.
Such high-level interest from the reigning European champions underlines the internal belief at Liverpool that they have a “generational” talent on their hands, specifically in Joshua.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the saga is Abe’s recent decision to sign with the PLG agency. The firm, co-owned by Tyler Alexander-Arnold, brother of Liverpool former vice-captain Trent Alexander Arnold, represents some of the biggest names in the game. These include Andrew Robertson and Jarrod Bowen, and is now representing Joshua too.
While some observers view the connection to the Alexander-Arnold family as a sign of Liverpool’s enduring influence, others fear the agency’s global reach could facilitate a lucrative move abroad. This would mirror the departure of Trent Alexander, with Joshua potentially following suit.
First team recognition and the Sadio Mane comparisons
On the pitch, Abe continues to make the scholarship dilemma look like a priority for the club. He recently made history as the youngest-ever player to represent Liverpool at under-19 level. He debuted in the UEFA Youth League against Zilina at just 15 years, six months, and 17 days old. Furthermore, Joshua’s rapid progression has been remarkable.
His domestic form is equally staggering; a clinical hat-trick in a 6-1 demolition of Leeds United took his tally to eight goals in ten appearances for the under-18s. This is a remarkable return for a player who only celebrated his 15th birthday in July, making Joshua’s profile stand out.
Coaching staff at Kirkby have compared the left-footed right winger to Sadio Mane, citing his searing pace, directness in one-v-one situations, and a level of physical confidence that belies his age. Additionally, Joshua has shown qualities reminiscent of past legends.
Arne Slot has already taken note of the buzz surrounding the winger, inviting Abe to train with the senior squad on several occasions this season. These “charm offensives” are a deliberate strategy by the club. They want to demonstrate that a pathway to the first team is not just a promise, but a reality for Joshua as well.
The financial tug of war and the pathway argument
Liverpool operate under a strict wage structure for their academy prospects, typically limiting first-year professionals to a basic salary of approximately £52,000 per year. In contrast, Joshua may face offers from rivals that promise much more.
While rival clubs are reportedly prepared to offer “guaranteed riches” and significant signing bonuses that far exceed Liverpool’s internal caps, the Reds are gambling on the “Rio Ngumoha effect.” They are hoping Joshua sees the greater value in development.
Having successfully lured Ngumoha away from Chelsea by pitching a superior development plan, Liverpool hope Abe sees his own future in a similar light. Joshua’s aspirations may ultimately align with Liverpool’s vision.
The club’s argument remains simple: while other clubs can offer more money today, Liverpool offer the shortest route to Premier League football. However, with the June 1 deadline fast approaching, the power remains firmly in the hands of the player and his representatives.
Liverpool must now convince their latest starlet, Joshua, that his meteoric rise is best served by staying exactly where he is.
