Liverpool's Trent Kone-Doherty Completes Surprise Transfer to Molde
In a move that has caught many by surprise, Liverpool's young talent Trent Kone-Doherty has finalised a permanent transfer to Norwegian club Molde. The deal, valued at approximately £660,000 (€750,000), includes significant clauses that could benefit Liverpool in the future.
Details of the Transfer Agreement
The 19-year-old winger, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the season, has opted to leave Anfield in search of more regular first-team football. Liverpool have managed to secure a fee for his services, with the agreement featuring a substantial sell-on clause and a buy-back option. This strategic move ensures that the Reds retain some control over Kone-Doherty's future development and potential value.
Parallels with Trent Alexander-Arnold's Departure
This transfer echoes Liverpool's decision last year to sell Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid for £10 million just 30 days before his contract expired. While Kone-Doherty's move to Molde has been completed four months prior to his contract expiry, compared to Alexander-Arnold's last-minute deal, it demonstrates Liverpool's proactive approach to securing fees for departing talents rather than losing them on free transfers.
Kone-Doherty's Background and Career at Liverpool
Trent Kone-Doherty, who will turn 20 in June, joined Liverpool from Derry City in the summer of 2022. He progressed through the Academy ranks, featuring for the Under-18s and Under-21s, and regularly played in competitions such as the UEFA Youth League, FA Youth Cup, and EFL Trophy. The Republic of Ireland Under-21s international made his senior debut as a substitute in the FA Cup fourth round loss at Plymouth Argyle in February 2025, after being on the bench for a Champions League defeat at PSV Eindhoven the previous month. He also made a late appearance in a League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield in October.
Reasons Behind the Transfer and Liverpool's Strategy
Liverpool were content to approve this transfer due to the emergence of other young wingers within the squad. Rio Ngumoha has been advancing in the first team, and the club has secured a pathway for 15-year-old Josh Abe, who has already trained with the senior side. Additionally, last summer saw another Academy winger, Ben Gannon-Doak, sold to Bournemouth for £25 million, highlighting Liverpool's strategy of developing and monetising young talent.
Kone-Doherty's move to Molde was facilitated by Norway's transfer window being open ahead of their domestic league's commencement next month. Molde finished 10th in the 16-team Eliteserien last year, offering the youngster an opportunity for more playing time in a competitive environment.
