English-Nigerian defender Emmanuel Airoboma signs first professional contract with Liverpool

Liverpool have confirmed that Emmanuel Airoboma has penned his first professional contract with the club, marking a key step in the young defender’s development at Anfield.

The 18-year-old, who has been part of the Reds’ academy since the U12 level, has now formally secured his future with the Premier League giants after rising steadily through the youth ranks.

Airoboma, of Nigerian heritage but raised in England, was recruited from grassroots football and has developed into a versatile defensive option.

While his primary role is at centre-back, he has also shown the ability to slot in at right full-back, giving coaches added flexibility across the back line.

His progress last season saw him become a mainstay for Liverpool’s U18 squad before earning a promotion to Rob Page’s U21 group for the upcoming campaign.

The highly-rated teenager made his Premier League 2 debut on August 25, coming on as a substitute during Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at Burnley. That appearance underlined his continued rise within the club’s setup and signalled his readiness for the challenges of higher-level football.

Liverpool view Airoboma as one of the standout talents emerging from Kirkby and are expected to integrate him further into the U21 and potentially senior training sessions over the coming months.

His new deal reflects the club’s intention to nurture homegrown prospects with long-term potential.

Airoboma’s signing follows a series of similar professional contracts handed to promising academy players, underscoring Liverpool’s commitment to developing the next generation of stars rather than relying solely on high-profile signings.

For Airoboma, the focus now shifts to building on his breakthrough season and making a strong case for senior-team inclusion in the future.