Liverpool’s academy is well known for producing some top talents in the English game, from the likes of Steven Gerrard to Trent Alexander-Arnold and even Ballon d’Or winner Michael Owen. The talent that Liverpool has possessed over the years hasn’t just come from intelligent transfers; homegrown stars are a part of the Reds’ legacy. Sometimes these wonderkids become global stars, whereas some may find the pressure of professional life a bit too much.
So today, BoyleSports, the home of jackpot slots games, will be taking a look at some of Liverpool’s academy graduates who never managed to reach their full potential.
Jordan Ibe
Considered one of Liverpool’s most disappointing academy prospects who failed to fulfil his potential, Jordan Ibe nevertheless became a fan favourite after making his debut at just 17 in 2013, providing an assist for Philippe Coutinho in a 1–0 win over Queens Park Rangers. While Ibe didn’t begin his career in Liverpool red, he did spend time in the academy developing his trade before he took to the pitch at Anfield. The promising youngster was given opportunities at Anfield, as well as on loan at Birmingham City and Derby County, two spells that didn’t really work out for the winger. After only a handful more appearances after his loan spells, Ibe was sold to Bournemouth in hopes of lighting up the south coast and getting his career on track. Unfortunately, Ibe suffered with mental health issues, meaning his full focus could never be on the game, resulting in the now 29 year old featuring in non league football for the past 2 years.
Jerome Sinclair
Jerome Sinclair made Melwood his home at the age of 14, choosing Liverpool to be his mentors in guiding him into the professional game. Sinclair is a striker who provided plenty of goal threat throughout his time in the academy, earning call-ups to the under-18s and impressing against the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea. The youngster quickly caught the eye of first team manager Brendan Rodgers after scoring a hat-trick against Exeter at youth level, bringing Sinclair into the 1st team for their League Cup game against West Brom. At the age of just 16, the English forward made his debut in 2012. After several seasons in the academy, in 2015, Sinclair was loaned out to Wigan, where he was never able to find the form he had in Liverpool’s youth side. After his spell, he returned to Liverpool, scoring his first for the Reds before leaving in search of game time at Watford. After 5 consecutive loan spells around the world, Sinclair became a free agent in 2021 and has focused on his business venture, including owning his own branch of a fried chicken shop.
Jordan Rossiter
Compared to the next Gerrard, Jordan Rossiter is a Liverpool born midfielder who came through the ranks at his boyhood club, even being named captain at the youth level. The scouse youngster was living every Liverpool fan’s dream and looked set on becoming one of the next best midfielders to come out of Melwood. Rossiter made his first team debut in 2014, the only appearance he would make that season, scoring his first Reds goal against Middlesbrough in the League Cup. He was in and out of the first team, but his season came to an end after an ankle injury. In the 2015/16 season, Rossiter would make his league and European debut under Brendan Rodgers, before suffering a hamstring injury, leaving him out for the majority of the season. As a result, the English midfielder would join Scottish side Glasgow Rangers, featuring in very few games and a couple of EFL loan spells. In 2020, he would officially leave Rangers, featuring in a handful of EFL sides, before leaving for Ireland in 2025 at the age of 28 after an injury plagued career in England.
Sheyi Ojo
Admired by many top European clubs, Sheyi Ojo was said to be a top talent, resulting in Liverpool buying the 14 year old from MK Dons for £2 million. This extremely high fee created plenty of hype around the player, with Liverpool managing the player’s development through loan spells at Wigan and Wolves, before making his debut for the Reds in 2016. After the 2016/17 season, Ojo was sent out on loan across the English pyramid, as well as spending a season with Rennes in France. His time on loan at Cardiff City stood out, making over 40 appearances, resulting in him permanently signing in 2022 after another loan spell, this time at Millwall. He spent another 2 years at Cardiff, but would never reach the ability he was once projected to have as a youngster. In his second year with the Blues, he would be sent to Belgium for a season long loan spell, eventually being sold to Slovenian Side Maribor in 2025, where he remains at the age of 28. His potential talent was undeniable, but as a result of not being able to find his confidence, potentially inflicted by his large price tag at a young age, Ojo has had to settle for a relatively mediocre career.
