Liverpool are favourites to land Chelsea midfielder Ryan Mcaidoo, according to The Secret Scout.
The insider, who is usually reliable when it comes to youth football transfers, says he has not been able to confirm the story, but the Reds are now likely to beat rivals Arsenal for the teenager’s signature:
Interesting to see what happens with Ryan Mcaidoo after opting to leave Chelsea.
Reports today of Liverpool beating Arsenal but no confirmation.
Wouldn’t surprise me if another rival comes in for him. https://t.co/oXT1Yh6g6N
— TheSecretScout (@TheSecretScout_) June 27, 2024
As The Secret Scout points out, though, there is still a chance for another team to swoop in and hijack the deal at the last minute, so fans would be wise not to get excited until he is pictured putting pen to paper on a contract.
Why is there so much excitement about Mcaidoo?
The 16-year-old has looked impressive whilst playing for Chelsea in the Under 18 Premier League and he has also been capped at Under 17 level by England.
Mcaidoo made cameo appearances in two European Under 17 Championship qualifiers against Northern Ireland and Hungary back in March. However, he didn’t make the squad for the tournament itself last month.
Liverpool look poised to sign another young player
It has been reported that the Reds have agreed a £1.5m fee with Wolves for Alvin Ayman. The centre-back is even younger than Mcaidoo at 15 years of age, but he has already played at Under 21 level.
Since new rules were enforced after the UK’s departure from the EU, Premier League clubs (including Liverpool) have had to do most of their youth recruitment by poaching youngsters from other UK teams. The main reason for that is that they can no longer sign players from abroad who are under the age of 18.
