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.

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.

Chelsea have managed to pin down the highly rated young defender Josh Acheampong to a new long-term contract.

Acheampong only made his first senior start for the club in last week’s Conference League clash with Astana in Kazakhstan’s capital, but has long since been considered a promising talent.

The 18-year-old has already broken into the under-21 side and extended his deal to June 2026 at the start of the year. Negotiations over a further extension stalled this season, leading to a frosty standoff between the player and club. Acheampong was banned from all club activities at any level until he committed his future to Chelsea.

This fractious vacuum opened a window for Real Madrid to register an interest in the prodigious right-back.

Tensions have cooled in recent months and, after The Athletic first revealed an agreement had been reached, Chelsea formally confirmed an extension had been signed.

There is no talk of a salary, but the initial report describes the agreement as a “statement of intent” for the recruitment department. Alongside Madrid, several Premier League clubs were also interested in the 18-year-old.

Chelsea captain Reece James is a significant barrier to Acheampong’s route into the first team. Even during the skipper’s numerous injury layoffs, Malo Gusto offers a senior alternative to the academy graduate.

While Acheampong’s Premier League involvement may remain limited in the near future, he will now be free to be called upon in the various cup competitions which Chelsea are involved in. The Blues still have one remaining Conference League first-round tie against Shamrock Rovers and have been drawn against fourth-tier Morecambe in the third round of the FA Cup.

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