I came across this post on twitter which may explain some of the decisions being made, caveated with “IF true” of course!
So, I’ve always had a strong source academy related and a lot of respect shared with many connected. Recently I asked the question, “Why are the club moving on so much up and coming talent?” The consensus was very much that the overall direction of the academy set-up is on an upward trajectory. The club have been focusing heavily from a younger age and developing stronger than ever. If the club see players at other academies that have the potential to succeed and ability to progress to the first team, they will make all the efforts to bring the youth player in, willing to take ‘calculated’ risks. However, players are breaking through at clubs at a much younger age. Leading to the value and demand of players increasing. Liverpool have a crop of players who are finding themselves at a level of needing senior football earlier because of the structures in place at the academy. The higher talents on the pyramid may be sold but, those sales will include beneficial clauses to Liverpool, incase of a buy-back or large sell-on fee. What was described as “an intention to build a factory of talent” with a “conveyer belt” to first team opportunities. This fundamental factor is shared with potential targets as well as the players stepping up in youth ages. In what I described as brutal and careless at first, understanding the view the club have and the intention for players to succeed leaving the academy, it is more than just a money making exercise or naivety to sell potential options. The club are not selling these players without careful thought, they have serious plans in directing the academy to a better place and creating pathways. It is positive to hear that the club are keen to develop and invest correctly however, it may become common in “three year cycles” that we see players move on, even if the fans believe they may make it.