Arsenal have beaten Liverpool to the capture of highly-regarded goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney. The 16-year-old Larne prospect is set to join the Gunners, according to the player's father.
The Northern Irish Premier League side will receive a modest fee as compensation for his development and training, with Blayney set to join after impressing during a trial. Alan Blayney has confirmed his son will complete the move this summer.
Liverpool are among the sides to miss out on the teenage star's signature, with Arsenal also beating Nottingham Forest to the goalkeeper. Blayney is yet to sign his pre-contract agreement, but only formalities remain.
Blayney's Father Confirms Deal
The youngster is set to sign the deal, ahead of turning professional on his 17th birthday in November 2027, his father disclosed.
"Everything has been agreed with Arsenal, he just needs to sign the contract," Alan Blayney told the Belfast Telegraph. "When he's 17, he will sign a professional contract. It's done and dusted and a pre-contract will be signed when the time is right."
Blayney had previously trialled with Arsenal earlier this year, while also visiting Liverpool's training facilities. He was even photographed wearing the club's training kit in the stands at Anfield.
But Blayney Sr. disclosed how Arsenal's proposal particularly impressed as "the shining light between them all", with the Larne youth goalkeeper regarding the transfer to north London as "a massive opportunity". The Gunners also appeared to have a key advantage.
"Phoenix enjoyed being at Arsenal, he felt a connection there and really likes the coaches," he added. "One of his good friends Daniel McCarron has joined the club and that's probably one of the reasons too. Him and Daniel play in the same Northern Ireland team."
Liverpool's Past Success with Young Players
Liverpool have previously seen success with bringing players to the club at 16. Rio Ngumoha signed for the club after being developed by Chelsea's academy, choosing not to sign scholarship terms in west London.
The talented winger wasted little time before being afforded a first-team opportunity. He made his debut before the end of his first season with the club, starting in a win against Accrington Stanley, and became the youngest player to start a first-team game in the club's history.
Ngumoha continued to develop in 2025/26, despite Liverpool's disappointing season. The teenager scored on his Premier League debut against Newcastle in August 2025 and netted his first goal at Anfield in April 2026, breaking Raheem Sterling's record as the youngest player to do so.
The attacker travelled with England's World Cup squad for the team's preparation camp before Thomas Tuchel handed him his Three Lions debut against New Zealand.
