Liverpool working to secure Luca Eden ahead of next season

Liverpool are continuing to plan for the future under Andoni Iraola, with the club working to secure one of the most highly regarded young talents in their academy.

According to James Pearce of The Athletic, Liverpool are looking to tie midfielder Luca Eden down to a scholarship ahead of next season, while also seeking an agreement on a pre contract for his first professional deal.

Eden, born on 11 March 2011, has already established himself as an unusually young presence within Liverpool’s age group system. He will turn 16 in March 2027 and can sign his first professional contract when he reaches 17 in March 2028.

Luca Eden making Liverpool history

The teenager has already broken several records during his rapid progression through the academy.

Eden became the youngest player in Liverpool U18 history when he came off the bench against Manchester United in November, aged 14 years, eight months and 20 days.

Two months later, he became the club’s youngest U18 goalscorer. He won and converted a penalty during a 7-1 victory over Burnley, achieving the landmark at 14 years and 319 days old.

His progress has continued this season. Earlier this month, Eden became Liverpool’s youngest ever player to represent the club in the UEFA Youth League when he started against Atletico Madrid.

He also captained England’s U15 side towards the end of 2025, adding international experience to an already impressive development record.

Liverpool planning for Eden’s future

Pearce has identified Eden as one of the academy players who could potentially break through at senior level and reports that there are “high hopes” for the midfielder.

Liverpool have already accelerated his development. Eden trained with the U21s during pre season at the AXA Training Centre, with Iraola among those watching the group.

Josh Abe, another 15 year old prospect, was also involved with the U21s during that period.

For now, Eden is expected to become a regular member of the U18 squad this season. There is no need for Liverpool to rush his development, particularly given his age and the considerable physical and tactical demands of senior football.

Patience will be important at Liverpool

Comparisons with Steven Gerrard have inevitably emerged because of Eden’s position, technical ability and rapid progression, although such comparisons should be treated carefully.

The important development for Liverpool is that they are attempting to secure Eden’s pathway before the player reaches the stage where his professional future becomes a more immediate consideration.

The club’s academy has produced several senior players in recent years, and the current strategy appears focused on identifying exceptional talent early and providing a structured route towards first team football.

With Liverpool sixth after five Premier League matches and already having opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid, Iraola’s immediate focus remains on results.

For the club’s long term planning, however, keeping players such as Eden within the system could prove equally significant.

Our View

For Liverpool supporters, this report will naturally create plenty of excitement. Eden is still only 15, yet the number of milestones he has already reached makes his development particularly interesting.

The most encouraging aspect is the club’s apparent desire to secure his future early. Liverpool supporters have seen the value of giving academy players a genuine pathway into the first team, and Eden’s progression through the age groups suggests the club believes he has something worth protecting.

The comparisons with Steven Gerrard should probably be put to one side for now. They create attention, but they can also place unnecessary pressure on a teenager who has not yet played senior football. What matters is that Eden continues developing in the right environment.

Iraola’s involvement is another intriguing element. A new head coach arriving at Liverpool creates an opportunity for young players to make an impression, although there is no reason to expect Eden to be fast tracked simply because of his current reputation.

From a supporter perspective, this is exactly the sort of academy story that generates optimism. Liverpool are competing at the highest level, while also trying to build the next generation. If Eden continues progressing at anything like his current rate, supporters will understandably be watching his journey very closely.

For now, patience remains essential. The potential is exciting, but the development process has only just begun.