Liverpool have officially confirmed the departure of highly-rated winger Trent Kone-Doherty, who has signed for Norwegian side Molde FK on a permanent deal.
The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland U21 international leaves Anfield for a fee believed to be around £660,000 (€750,000).
Despite being offered a contract extension by the Reds, Kone-Doherty opted for the move to Norway to secure immediate first-team football. Liverpool have reportedly protected their long-term interests by including both a buy-back clause and a sell-on fee in the agreement.
A strategic mid-season exit
While the Premier League transfer window is long since closed, Norway’s Eliteserien window remains open until April 1to accommodate the start of their 2026 season in March. This provided a unique opportunity for the young Irishman to move mid-season rather than waiting for his Liverpool contract to expire in June.
Kone-Doherty explained his decision to Molde’s official website:
“It is the perfect club for me to come to. I like the project I have been presented with here and I am very excited to get started. I am a player who likes to get the fans up from their seats. I always try to express myself on the pitch and be fearless.”
Stiff Competition at Kirkby
Since his £150,000 move from Derry City in 2022, Kone-Doherty has been a standout performer for the Academy. Earlier this month, he even broke the record for the most appearances by a Liverpool player in UEFA Youth League history.
However, the pathway to Arne Slot’s senior squad had become increasingly congested. Fellow youngsters Rio Ngumohaand Kieran Morrison appeared to have moved ahead of him in the pecking order.
Although Kone-Doherty made his senior debut in an FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle in February 2025, his only appearance this season was a late cameo in October’s Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Liverpool legacy and future
A club statement from Liverpool reflected on his four-year stay:
“The winger joins the Norwegian top-flight side after almost four years with the Reds. He arrived at the LFC Academy during the summer of 2022 and featured regularly at U18, U19 and most recently U21 level. Kone-Doherty also made two senior appearances, debuting as a substitute at Plymouth Argyle in the Emirates FA Cup in February 2025 and then coming off the bench against Crystal Palace last October. Everyone at LFC wishes Trent the best of luck in his future career.”
Former U21 coach Barry Lewtas previously praised the winger’s “explosive” nature:
“Trent looks really dynamic, he can take players on, he combines well, he’s a wide attacking player who seems pretty fearless when he’s in one-v-one moments. He can change direction, he’s direct.”
Molde, who finished 10th last season, are looking to the Irishman to provide a creative spark when their campaign kicks off next month. Given the buy-back clause, Anfield officials will likely be keeping a close eye on the “Aker Stadion” to see if the youngster develops into the star many at Kirkby believed he could be.
Upcoming debut
Molde FK finished a disappointing 10th last season and are looking to the Irish winger to help lead a resurgence. Kone-Doherty could make his competitive debut as early as next week in the Norwegian Football Cup or in the league opener against Rosenborg on March 14.
The departure of Trent Kone-Doherty marks the end of a promising chapter at Anfield, but it appears to be a calculated move for all parties involved.
For the player, Molde FK offers a definitive step into senior “men’s” football. At 19, Kone-Doherty had outgrown the U21 circuit, and with the likes of Rio Ngumoha and Kieran Morrison emerging as the preferred youth options for Arne Slot, his path to the first team was increasingly blocked. By moving to Norway, he joins a side that values youth development and provides a platform to play in a top-flight European league immediately.
For Liverpool, the deal represents excellent business for an academy prospect whose contract was just months from expiry. Not only did they secure a £660,000 (€750,000) fee for a player they could have lost for free in June, but they also protected themselves with buy-back and sell-on clauses.
If the “explosive and fearless” winger excels in the Eliteserien, Liverpool have ensured they remain at the front of the queue to bring him back or profit from his future success.
Ultimately, while fans may be sad to see such a dynamic talent leave, the move allows Kone-Doherty to stop being a “prospect” and start being a professional.
