Liverpool Beat Manchester City to Highly Rated Academy Midfielder Lucas Alford
Liverpool have struck another blow in their youth recruitment drive, securing the signing of Lucas Alford from Manchester City’s academy. The 16-year-old midfielder confirmed the move himself on Instagram, posting photos in Liverpool training gear as he signed terms with the club.
Another coup in the rivalry
This is not the first time Liverpool have lured talent away from their fiercest rivals. Last year, defender Lucas Clarke swapped City blue for Liverpool red, and he has since progressed well with the U18s.
Alford’s arrival continues that trend. A former City youth captain, he stood out at national tournaments over the past year, impressing with his technical ability, composure, and leadership.
A versatile addition to Kirkby
Equally comfortable as a holding midfielder or operating in a box-to-box role, Alford will link up with a strong U16 squad at Kirkby, which already features exciting names like Joshua Abe, Erik Farkas, and Vincent Joseph.
Liverpool hope Alford can follow the pathway blazed by Clarke — developing quickly through the age groups and one day pushing for a senior breakthrough.
Why Liverpool appeals
The Reds’ recent record of promoting academy graduates has given them a clear edge in attracting young talent. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, and new arrival Rio Ngumoha are just a few of the names who have climbed the ladder from Kirkby to Anfield.
Meanwhile, ties between the clubs remain surprisingly close off the pitch, with Pep Lijnders currently part of City’s coaching staff. Now, Liverpool will be hoping that both Clarke and Alford can one day return to face their old club as first-team stars in red.
For Arne Slot, building for the future is just as important as competing in the present — and prising away a player of Alford’s calibre underlines Liverpool’s intent to keep pace with Manchester City at every level.
