Liverpool's Academy forwards have made the most of their pre-season opportunities, and now some could be on the move as the transfer window approaches its deadline.
Academy forwards shine in pre-season
With many senior players unavailable due to injury or World Cup participation, the recent tour to the United States gave several young attackers a chance to impress. New head coach Andoni Iraola was without most of his frontline forwards, making it a particularly profitable trip for the Academy prospects.
Josh Abe, a 16-year-old who committed his future to Liverpool despite interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Manchester City, played in wins over Sunderland and Wrexham. He became the youngest Liverpool player to feature in the UEFA Youth League in February and can expect opportunities with the U21s this season.
Koumas and Morrison attract interest
Lewis Koumas, 20, scored in the win over Sunderland and impressed throughout the tour. After helping Hull City to promotion on loan last season, he is expected to attract significant interest, with Liverpool anticipating both temporary and permanent offers. A proposed move to Burnley, where Wales boss Craig Bellamy is in charge, fell through.
Kieran Morrison, 19, made his first-team breakthrough last season and scored the first goal of the Iraola reign against Sunderland. He also started the loss to Leeds United and is likely to get further chances in friendlies against Monaco and Como before a decision on a possible loan.
Other prospects and loan moves
Will Wright, a 17-year-old striker, started against Sunderland and played against Wrexham. After an injury-hit season, he is likely to remain with the Academy unless a compelling loan offer arrives. Josh Sonni-Lambie, last season's U18s top scorer, had a brief run-out against Wrexham and will step up to become a U21 regular.
Keyrol Figueroa, who signed a new deal in the summer, scored twice in a friendly win over NK Celje and twice in a loss to Cardiff City. Liverpool believe he is ready for men's football, with loan interest from Barnsley, Salford City, and Shrewsbury Town. Jayden Danns, 20, would have toured but for another injury setback; he is expected back before the end of the month, after which loan interest could emerge.
