Liverpool academy star edging closer to first-team action is the son of the club’s direct
Liverpool’s academy has undergone a remarkable transformation since Alex Inglethorpe took charge as academy director. Under his leadership, the club has developed a reputation for producing top-level talent and instilling discipline into its youth setup.
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Conor Bradley, Caoimhin Kelleher, Raheem Sterling, Jarell Quansah and Tyler Morton all came through during his tenure. That list alone shows the impact Inglethorpe has had on the Reds’ long-term vision.
He has revamped the coaching setup, introduced stricter rules for players on scholarships, and created a culture where development and responsibility go hand-in-hand. The results have made Liverpool’s academy one of the most successful in England, both in terms of first-team integration and profitable sales.
Now, a new wave of exciting talent is emerging at U18 level. Players such as Joshua Abe, Erik Farkas and La’more Forrester are already making headlines for their performances this season.
The rise of Finn Inglethorpe
Among them is a particularly intriguing name – Finn Inglethorpe, the son of Liverpool’s academy director. At just 16 years old, he has quickly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in the U18 side.
The young striker has started the campaign in impressive fashion, recording five goal contributions in his first five matches in the U18 Premier League. That works out at a goal or assist every 55 minutes – an eye-catching return at any level.
Finn is a classic poacher, thriving inside the penalty box with clever movement and sharp finishing. Yet he also has the awareness to drop deeper, link play and create space for others. That mix of instinct and intelligence has already made him a nightmare for defenders.
On the brink of promotion
With Liverpool’s U21 side currently facing a striker shortage due to injuries for Jayden Danns and Will Wright, Finn’s form could soon open the door to a promotion. At present, only Joshua Sonni-Lambie and Keyrol Figueroa are ahead of him in the academy pecking order.
If he keeps scoring and creating at this rate, it will be difficult for the coaches to overlook him. Slot has already shown he is open to promoting youngsters when they earn it on merit, and the No.9 position is one area where Liverpool’s first-team lacks depth.
Should Finn eventually make the step up, it would create a rare and fascinating situation – the son of the academy director breaking into the senior squad. Naturally, that could raise questions about nepotism, but his performances so far suggest his progress is down to ability, not family connections.
His status as an England U15 international only strengthens his credentials and helps quiet any doubts about his merit. If Finn Inglethorpe continues on this trajectory, the conversation may soon shift from whether he deserves a chance to how quickly he can follow in the footsteps of Alexander-Arnold and Jones.