Liverpool youngster Elijah Gift has confirmed that he will be leaving the club to join Athletic Bilbao and return to his native country.
The ECHO understands that, while the fee will remain undisclosed, Liverpool received a good offer for the 17-year-old, who was signed from Huddersfield Town as an Under-12s player, with The Athletic reporting it to be in the region of £1m.
Bilbao famously only select players from the Basque region, with Gift, who was born in the town of Corella, costing a premium for the Spaniards as a result after interest emerged.
Liverpool decided to sanction an exit considering they are well-served in the attacking wide areas at academy level. The presence of the likes of Ben Doak, Harvey Blair, Trent Kone-Doherty and Ranel Young, who recently signed his first professional contract with the club, ensure the young Reds are well-stocked out wide at under-21s and under-18s level.
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Gift had just completed his first season with Liverpool Under-18s. He made 20 appearances in 2022/23, including a UEFA Youth League debut for the Under-19s, scoring four goals and registering three assists for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s side.
Upon the confirmation of his departure, Gift took to Instagram to send those associated with Liverpool a heart-warming message, which reads: "Dear Reds, sadly, after six years at this amazing club, today marks the end of my journey with Liverpool FC. I am truly grateful for every second I have spent at this special club.
"At this point, I would like to express my appreciation for my team-mates, the coaches, staff and everyone for believing in me from day one and pushing me to the best of my ability."
"I am forever grateful. #YNWA"
The highlight of Gift’s season came in the Under-18s Merseyside Derby in January, as he registered both a goal and an assist in a 2-2 draw with Everton.
Capable of playing on either flank, the teenager finished the season strongly with two goals and two assists from his final four U18 Premier League appearances, including a goal off the bench in Liverpool’s final day 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.
