Liverpool are reportedly set to send out up to eight of their young academy stars on loan as they continue the search for their next Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Reds have enjoyed plenty of success with their academy over recent seasons with a number of graduates forging themselves a place in Jurgen Klopp ’s first-team. It appears the next batch of promising youngsters out of Melwood are now ready to take their steps into senior football.
According to Goal, Owen Beck is among a clutch of young stars who could be handed their first opportunities to get vital experience away from Anfield with a loan move this summer. He is joined by the likes Paul Glatzel, Leighton Clarkson and Jake Cain, who will be aiming to secure temporary moves away from Merseyside this summer having previously spent time with Tranmere Rovers, Blackburn Rovers and Newport County respectively last term.
Elsewhere, Rhys Williams and Sepp van den Berg could also be handed the opportunity for more football next season with further loan moves. The former made his breakthrough for the Reds during the 2020/21 season after a loan spell with Kidderminster Harriers.
He went on to make 19 appearances throughout the campaign as the Reds endured a defensive injury crisis towards the end of the season. However, he was not able to add to those experiences last term with Klopp having welcomed back the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, whilst summer signing Ibrahima Konate also saw Williams fall further down the pecking order.
He was allowed to join Swansea City on a season-long loan last term but after seeing game time at a premium was recalled to Anfield midway through the campaign.
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In the meantime, Dutchman van den Berg has spent the last season-and-a-half on-loan with fellow Championship outfit Preston North End. He has accumulated 64 appearances for the side and will apparently be given the opportunity to earn more experience next season.
One final player that could be set to temporarily exit Anfield is Billy Koumetio. Reports have suggested that he is set to join Austria Vienna on a season-long loan and Klopp will certainly be hoping that the stint is a success having previously expressed his admiration of the young defende r.
Speaking in the summer of 2020, he said: “Billy the kid. He doesn't look like a kid! In my opinion, his face looks like a kid but then all the rest is like, wow! Yes, he’s a big talent!”
He would be following fellow academy graduate Conor Bradley out of the exit door with the youngster having sealed a loan move to Bolton Wanderers earlier this week.
Whilst a comprehensive list of academy stars seek loan moves away, a couple could be set to quit Anfield permanently. Bournemouth continue to chase the services of Nat Phillips after he helped the Cherries to promotion last term, whilst Neco Williams is reportedly being eyed by Southampton after a successful spell with Fulham.
