Liverpool are in talks with Arsenal over compensation for Vincent Joseph after his schoolboy registration contract expired. The Gunners have reportedly reached an agreement with the 16-year-old striker after he became available to move this summer on July 1.
Contract expiry and compensation
Joseph was offered a scholarship by the Reds but did not sign a new deal before the end of June, allowing him to join another club. Liverpool, however, are due a fee for training him. If the clubs cannot agree, a tribunal will decide the amount. The Professional Football Compensation Committee (PFCC) considers several factors when determining the sum owed.
The Athletic first reported the agreement between Arsenal and Joseph. Manchester United also showed interest in him earlier this summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.
Joseph's rise through the ranks
Joseph graduated from the under-16s last season and scored on his under-18s debut during a 4-3 defeat to Sunderland at the Academy of Light in March. He then scored twice in their next U18 Premier League North match against Nottingham Forest. The first was with his left foot to equalise, the Reds having been 2-0 down, and his second was an 83rd-minute winner from distance to seal a 4-3 win.
He will not be playing for Simon Wiles' side this season. Adam Birchall is due to be Joseph's new head coach, having taken over Arsenal's under-18s from Jack Wilshere two years ago. Former Liverpool under-21s head coach Barry Lewtas also worked with Joseph last season for England's under-16s. He has scored eight goals and assisted another in nine games at that level, including a hat-trick against the Netherlands at St George's Park in mid-December.
International and family ties
Joseph has played alongside Arsenal players Charlie Phillips and Emerson Nwaneri on international duty. He is also eligible to play for Germany. His older brother, Valentin, came through Blackburn Rovers' academy before joining Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this summer. Joseph Snr scored 21 times in 31 games across their under-18s and under-21s last season before making the move. Two of his goals came against Liverpool at Kirkby, assisting the third before scoring the fourth and sixth in an 8-3 win for Rovers.
Both brothers are now set to play in the U18 Premier League South this coming season. Joseph Jr leaves Liverpool after eight years, having joined in 2018.
