Liverpool Consider Move for Fulham Wonderkid as Academy Focus Continues | OneFootball

Liverpool Interested in Fulham’s Seth Ridgeon as Academy Plans Expand

Midfield Prodigy Draws Widespread Interest

Liverpool’s commitment to developing young talent remains unwavering. The club’s recruitment of prospects like Rio Ngumoha and Armin Pecsi highlights a clear intent to build from the bottom upwards. Now, Fulham midfielder Seth Ridgeon has emerged as the next name on the club’s radar, according to TBR Football.

Ridgeon, only 16 years old, is already featuring at under-21 level and captains England’s under-17s. Fulham reportedly see him as “the crown jewel of their academy” and understandably so. His blend of technical quality, vision in the final third and natural leadership makes him one of the most coveted teenagers in the country.

TBR report that Ridgeon is currently “weighing up his substantial options ahead of committing to Fulham or moving elsewhere”. With clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund all circling, the competition is fierce.

Liverpool’s Project Offers Clear Pathway

Ridgeon’s potential move would follow the route of Rio Ngumoha, who swapped Chelsea for Liverpool last year and has since been involved in pre-season activities and first-team training sessions. Like Ngumoha, Ridgeon would likely be integrated slowly, but meaningfully, into the club’s developmental structure.

Photo: IMAGO

Michael Edwards’ return to Anfield in a senior footballing operations role provides a significant boost in these recruitment conversations. Liverpool now present a more structured and compelling project for emerging players, one where progression is clearly defined.

With Fabio Carvalho a recent example of Fulham trusting Liverpool with one of their brightest academy prospects, history may repeat itself. Carvalho had a strong start in red before moving to Brentford, and that precedent might aid Liverpool’s chances of landing Ridgeon.

Leadership and Heritage Add Layers to Ridgeon’s Story

Beyond his technical ability, Ridgeon’s story is layered with both meaning and promise. He has already led England’s U17s and, if his development continues, could become the first player of Sri Lankan heritage to feature in the Premier League. That would be a landmark moment for representation in English football.

It is, of course, early days. Ridgeon has not yet made a first-team appearance, and Fulham will be eager to retain him. But with interest from ten major clubs, including domestic rivals such as Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, his future is very much in the balance.

Liverpool’s academy model, their track record of bringing through elite young players and the presence of Arne Slot, who has shown willingness to trust youth, could make Merseyside an appealing next step.

Photo: IMAGO

Fulham Face Decision Amid Widespread Attention

Liverpool are not alone in this pursuit. The strength of interest, both domestic and European, suggests Ridgeon’s decision will not come easily. Fulham, to their credit, have nurtured a talented generation, and keeping Ridgeon would be a major boost to their academy.

However, as TBR Football rightly noted, Ridgeon is “weighing up his substantial options”, and Liverpool’s current environment could tip the scales.

The Anfield project is aligned with long-term youth progression, and should the midfielder make the switch, he would become part of an exciting era under Slot. It is a battle of visions now, and Ridgeon holds the power to choose his path.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans will always welcome the club showing ambition in the youth market. While the signing of senior players like Florian Wirtz makes headlines, investing in long-term talent like Seth Ridgeon reflects a smarter, future-focused strategy.

With Ridgeon, the club would be acquiring more than just a promising player. His leadership with England U17s and the potential to become the Premier League’s first player of Sri Lankan descent gives his profile real meaning.

There’s no rush for first-team impact. But if Ridgeon joins the Reds and follows a path similar to players like Trent Alexander-Arnold or Curtis Jones, he could be part of the club’s DNA within a few seasons.

The fact that Fulham rate him so highly, and that other giants across Europe are tracking him, tells us all we need to know. This is one to watch closely. Liverpool may have to be patient and persuasive, but the reward could be immense in years to come.