Josh Abe is one of the most exciting youngsters coming through at Liverpool’s Kirkby academy.
Despite only being 15, the left-footed right winger has been invited to train with Arne Slot’s first-team squad on several occasions in recent weeks.
Earlier this month he was handed his under-19s debut in the UEFA Youth League tie against MSK Zilina. Last Saturday, he celebrated his first hat-trick for Liverpool Under-18s as he lit up their 6-1 thrashing of Leeds United.
This week he’s away with England Under-16s, alongside club mates Vincent Joseph and Shadrach Ekiugbo, as they prepare to take part in a tournament in Turkey against Denmark, Spain and France.
Given his impressive development, there is an understandable buzz around Abe. Those who have worked with him believe he has both the attitude and the application, as well as the talent, to make it at the highest level.
However, his future beyond this season is currently uncertain as he has yet to accept Liverpool’s offer of a scholarship. Their Premier League rivals are understood to be keeping a close eye on the situation given that if there’s still no agreement by June 1, then he will be free to speak to other clubs.
Josh Abe has been fast-tracked into Liverpool’s Under-18s (Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
A similar impasse enabled Liverpool to take Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea in the summer of 2024. Earlier this month, a tribunal ruled that the Premier League champions must pay Chelsea an initial fee of £2.8million in compensation for the teenage winger. It could rise to £6.8m if various add-ons are triggered in the coming years.
Multiple sources, who spoke to The Athletic on condition of anonymity to protect their positions, confirmed that talks are ongoing as Liverpool attempt to convince Abe to stay.
Young players are allowed to have an agent from the September of the academic year when they turn 16 and Abe is represented by the agency PLG, which is co-owned by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s brother, Tyler. The Liverpool trio of Andy Robertson, Calvin Ramsay and Luke Chambers are among their other clients.
“Never in doubt,” Trent posted under the Instagram post from PLG in January which welcomed Abe on board. Before Christmas, Abe had joined the Real Madrid right-back at the Bernabeu to watch their win over Sevilla and met Brazilian star Vinicius Junior post-match.
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.
Liverpool had to beat off competition from Manchester City before Abe signed for their under-nines. He’s always been regarded by coaches as the most gifted in his age group and now they are facing another battle to keep him as interest in him cranks up.
Scholars earn a standard amount of around £1,200 per month, but discussions with Liverpool are also centred on what he can expect to earn from his first professional contract when he turns 17 in July 2027.
Liverpool currently limit most of their first-year pros to a basic salary of around £52,000 a year plus bonuses, but there are exceptions to the rule. It’s a policy designed to reward progress and keep youngsters hungry and driven.
Abe made an early impact with the England Under-16s (Antonio Masiello – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Other elite clubs are prepared to offer more guaranteed riches, but Liverpool hope the clearer pathway they set out for Abe will hold sway. Training with the first team is all part of that charm offensive.
“You can see him growing with confidence and the quality that he’s got,” Liverpool Under-18s coach Simon Wiles told the Redmen TV after Abe scored twice against Derby County recently. “He’s got a real knack for coming inside and hitting the back of the net. He’s a real talent and it’s really exciting working with him. Josh is in a really good place.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was among those watching that day. Abe has since taken his tally to eight goals and three assists in 10 Under-18 Premier League matches this season. He also scored in his first three appearances for England Under-16s earlier this season.
He’s quick, strong and direct with academy coaches likening him to former Anfield favourite Sadio Mane. “There’s not a club in this country who wouldn’t want Josh Abe,” one of his former coaches tells The Athletic.
Liverpool’s mission is to ensure he’s still around come August.