Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp recently welcomed a highly-rated youngster to the club – but he may never play a game for the Reds in a competitive match
Liverpool have completed the signing of highly-rated youngster Amara Nallo from West Ham United – but the teen may never play under Jurgen Klopp.
The 16-year-old defender has been described as “a Rolls Royce” player by West Ham youth coach Carlton Cole. However, it remains uncertain whether Nallo will get the opportunity to represent Liverpool’s first-team while Klopp is in charge.
While the Reds has been active in the transfer market this summer to bolster Klopp’s first-term squad – particularly in midfield – they have also been focused on recruiting young talent for their academy. Alongside Nallo, the Anfield club have also signed 16-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni from Leicester City with both teenagers having featured regularly for their former sides’ under-18 Premier League teams last season.
West Ham youth coach Cole – the Hammers’ former striker – previously heaped praise on Nallo, reports the Athletic (via the Express ). He said: “I would describe Amara as a Rolls Royce of a centre-back.
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“He has a great left foot and is elegant when he moves with the ball. He can play with both feet and has been working on his heading. He’s a player with a high ceiling.” Nallo will initially link up Liverpool’s under-18 and under-21 squads before having the chance to train and play with the senior team.
That progression patch means Nallo may never feature for the club under Klopp. The German is expected to leave Liverpool in 2026 after an 11-year reign.
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By that time, Nallo will only be 19 and still in the developmental stages of his career. If he aims to make appearances in competitions like the Carabao Cup or FA Cup under Klopp’s tenure, he will need to quickly impress in the youth teams.
While Nallo is a long-term option, more immediately Klopp is expected to oversee an overhaul of the defence In the next 12 to 24 months, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip’s contracts nearing their end.
While Van Dijk is a key figure in the starting lineup, Matip’s contract expires in 12 months, while this season could be crucial for Joe Gomez’s future at the club. The Reds are expected to bring in high-quality replacements if Matip and Gomez leave in the coming years.
While Liverpool already boast promising academy talents like Jarell Quansah, who could also become a first-team option in defence. Nallo is expected to pen a professional Liverpool contract when he turns 17 in November.