Liverpool intend to ‘raid’ Championship high-flyers Sunderland for the signature of 18-year-old academy talent Trey Ogunsuyi, according to reports.

Clubs increasingly want players from a young age and develop them in-house, rather than go into the top of the transfer market for established stars.

As well as identifying local talent that includes poaching academy players from other clubs. To that end, the pearl of Liverpool’s academy is Trey Nyoni, a player brought in from Leicester City at the age of 16. But they certainly aren’t alone in that tactic, with Manchester United notably snapping up prolific prospect Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal earlier this year.

The Daily Mail writes that the Reds are now monitoring versatile forward Ogunsuyi, who has scored five goals in five appearances at Premier League 2 so far this season, playing with and against players up to several years older.

And while the Belgium junior international is yet to make a senior debut for Sunderland, the youngster has been named on the bench by Regis Le Bris three times.

Sunderland is a club where young players are currently thriving. The Black Cats are aiming to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017 and are doing it with a raw but talented squad – four of their five most used players so far this season are aged 23 or younger. Of those, two are 19-year-old Jobe Bellingham and 17-year-old Chris Rigg.

Liverpool’s own crop of youngsters also have plenty of promise. Jurgen Klopp famously relied on them during last season’s triumphant Carabao Cup run, although the aforementioned Nyoni is the only teenage to have accrued any first-team minutes so far under Arne Slot.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has seen his future become a hot topic over the last few months with the 26-year-old’s contract running out at the end of the season. The Reds are yet to agree a new contract with the right-back and Real Madrid are rumoured to be particularly interested in signing the Englishman.

It would be a huge blow for Liverpool to lose their local talisman and vice-captain but a replacement may have to be lined up if he were to leave, despite Conor Bradley’s performances proving he has the potential to take over from Alexander-Arnold.

Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has said that one potential replacement for Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out by Arne Slot.

Liverpool not interested in signing Jeremie Frimpong to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold

Plettenberg said via X: “Liverpool are impressed by Jeremie Frimpong’s development and performances at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

“However, the 24-year-old right wing-back is currently not a concrete transfer target for the summer, primarily because Arne Slot prefers a traditional right-back in a back four, and Frimpong’s role does not currently fit into LFC’s system.”

Frimpong, who ranked at no.2 in FourFourTwo’s list of the best right-backs in the world right now, has excelled since joining Bayer Leverkusen from Celtic in 2021.

The Dutch wing-back started his youth career at Manchester City but rose to prominence after scoring 14 times in 47 games during Leverkusen’s historic invincible league title win last season.

Under ex-Liverpool player Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen play a 3-4-3 system that gives wing-backs Frimpong and Alex Grimaldo an attacking license.

However, under Arne Slot, Liverpool play with a back four, and whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold’s influence in the Liverpool side is clear, his creative numbers have declined since Slot joined.

As Plettenberg suggests Frimpong would therefore be less suited to Liverpool’s system, but the fullback has also been linked with Manchester United and Manchester City.

Ruben Amorim has introduced a back-three to Manchester United this season suggesting Old Trafford would be an appropriate destination for Frimpong, whilst a return to Manchester City could also be on the cards given the recent decline in Kyle Walker’s form.

Atletico Madrid Eye January Move for Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho

According to reports from Fichajes, Atletico Madrid are closely monitoring Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho ahead of the January transfer window. Diego Simeone is believed to be keen on bringing the Argentine back to Madrid, seeing him as a pivotal addition to the club’s attacking line.

Garnacho’s La Liga Return on the Cards?

Having started his youth career at Atletico before moving to Manchester in 2021, Garnacho’s potential return has stirred considerable interest. His current season tally of eight goals and four assists in 24 appearances highlights his attacking prowess, despite limited game time under United boss Ruben Amorim.

Simeone reportedly views Garnacho as a prime target, especially with speculation surrounding Antoine Griezmann’s potential departure next summer. A dynamic front three featuring Garnacho alongside Giuliano Simeone and Julian Alvarez would offer versatility and attacking depth.

Tensions at Manchester United
Under Amorim, Garnacho has struggled to secure consistent minutes, often left out of matchday squads. Reports suggest tactical incompatibilities between Amorim’s structured system and Garnacho’s instinctive style could accelerate the Argentine’s exit.

“He’s an exceptional talent but doesn’t fit our current tactical model,” an unnamed United source is believed to have stated.

With Atletico Madrid reportedly preparing a winter bid, a high-stakes transfer battle could be on the horizon as Simeone seeks to reinforce his attacking line for the second half of the season.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
Garnacho’s potential departure raises significant concerns. His raw pace, flair, and goal-scoring ability make him one of the United’s most exciting young prospects. Allowing a player of his calibre to leave, particularly mid-season, could be seen as a strategic misstep.

Amorim’s rigid tactical approach has yielded mixed results, and benching a talent like Garnacho might indicate deeper management issues. Fans could argue that adapting the system to accommodate creative talents would be more prudent, especially given United’s occasional struggles in breaking down compact defences.

Moreover, Atletico Madrid’s interest underscores Garnacho’s market value and potential. Watching him thrive in Spain would be a bitter pill to swallow for supporters, particularly if his departure coincides with United’s continued pursuit of attacking consistency.

Given the uncertainties around Griezmann’s future at Atletico, Simeone’s proactive interest seems logical. However, from a United standpoint, retaining Garnacho and maximising his potential at Old Trafford should be the priority, lest he becomes another example of homegrown talent flourishing elsewhere.