Alfie Dooley confirms move from Man City to Liverpool as Reds continue youth recruitment drive
Liverpool have secured the signature of promising Manchester City goalkeeper Alfie Dooley, marking another high-profile academy addition from their Premier League rivals. The 15-year-old prospect, who has been with City’s academy for nearly a decade, confirmed the move himself via social media — a development that underscores Liverpool’s continued emphasis on elite youth recruitment.
Emerging Talent Strengthens Liverpool’s Academy Vision
In recent years, Liverpool have placed significant focus on developing homegrown talent. Under the guidance of Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, the club has sought to create a clear pathway from academy to first-team football. That vision has already produced success stories such as Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, and Trey Nyoni, with each player now established as part of the senior setup.
Dooley’s arrival fits this pattern perfectly. Having spent nine years at Man City, he brings with him a winning pedigree — having lifted consecutive International Premier League titles at U12 and U13 levels. His decision to make the switch to Anfield highlights the growing perception that Liverpool offer a more attainable route to senior football, even for players nurtured at the country’s most resourceful academies.
Why Liverpool Appeal to Young Players
Manchester City remain a dominant force in English football, but the transition from academy to first team at the Etihad has often proven difficult. While stars like Phil Foden and Rico Lewis have successfully broken through, others — including Jadon Sancho, Liam Delap, and Jeremie Frimpong — found their opportunities limited before establishing themselves elsewhere.
In contrast, Liverpool’s academy under Alex Inglethorpe continues to flourish. Beyond recent success stories, there’s a strong record of players who have benefited from the club’s structure even if their senior opportunities came abroad. Goalkeepers Peter Gulácsi and Kamil Grabara, for example, both graduated from Liverpool’s system before becoming regulars in top European leagues.
That developmental ethos has made Anfield an attractive destination for young players like Alfie Dooley, who now joins a growing list of City academy alumni switching allegiance. Over the past 18 months, Lucas Clarke and Lucas Alford have both made similar moves — and each is now embedded within Liverpool’s youth ranks.
Dooley’s Potential and the Goalkeeping Legacy
At Manchester City, Alfie Dooley had earned a reputation as one of the most promising young goalkeepers in their setup, admired for his handling, composure, and shot-stopping ability. His performances at youth level helped him earn recognition within England’s junior circuits, with City coaches previously viewing him as one for the future.
Yet with competition fierce at the Etihad — and senior opportunities limited behind the likes of Donnarumma and Stefan Ortega — the teenager’s move suggests a strategic decision for long-term progression. At Liverpool, he enters a system that has historically nurtured top goalkeepers through patience and structured development.
From Caoimhin Kelleher’s rise to prominence to Vitezslav Jaros’ success with Ajax, the evidence points to a pathway that rewards talent and commitment. For Dooley, the chance to grow within such an environment could prove pivotal in the years ahead.
Another Statement Move from Liverpool’s Recruitment Team
This latest addition reinforces Liverpool’s commitment to building a generation of technically gifted, tactically aware footballers ready to sustain the club’s future success. While the headlines are often dominated by senior signings, the quiet work taking place within Kirkby’s academy continues to position the Reds as one of Europe’s most forward-thinking clubs.
Alfie Dooley’s decision to trade Man City blue for Liverpool red may not make immediate waves, but in time, it could prove one of the more significant youth switches of the season — a reflection of both Liverpool’s ambition and the trust young players place in their development philosophy.
