Report: Liverpool set to ‘enter talks’ over deal for midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool Move to Secure Futures of Joshua Abe, Vincent Joseph and Erik Farkas

Liverpool’s focus may be fixed on arresting their slide in senior competition, but the club’s long-term planning continues at pace behind the scenes. As the first-team battles for form and stability, key academy decisions are gathering urgency, with contract discussions for three standout prospects now reaching a decisive stage.

Rising Talent Driving Strategic Action

Liverpool’s academy has rarely looked as well-stocked with high-potential midfielders as it does today. Across Kirkby, staff privately believe this group rivals the most gifted cohorts of the past decade. Yet that optimism is tempered by the real possibility of losing three elite prospects at the end of the season if new terms are not agreed.

Joshua Abe, Vincent Joseph and Erik Farkas are all entering their scholarship year and remain unsigned. Each faces significant external interest, and according to Anfield Watch Liverpool recognise that their next steps could shape the club’s development pathway for years to come. The need for action has now accelerated.

External Interest Mounting for Emerging Trio

Abe’s rise has been followed closely by some of Europe’s most assertive recruiters. Arsenal and Chelsea have made their admiration clear, with several scouts describing him as one of the most technically advanced midfielders of his age group anywhere in England. Liverpool know that, without swift progress in negotiations, they face a genuine risk of losing him.

Joseph’s situation is complicated further by his German passport, which allows him to move freely to EU clubs. Having represented Germany at youth level, he is already known within Bundesliga recruitment circles. Chelsea are monitoring him as well, and several European clubs have made early enquiries.

Farkas, meanwhile, is attracting attention from Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and several Premier League sides. His Hungarian passport, like Joseph’s eligibility, widens the landscape of potential destinations. What sets Farkas apart in Liverpool’s eyes is his versatility and intensity—viewed internally as attributes that could translate smoothly into senior football.

Farkas Positioned as Centrepiece of Talks

Liverpool value all three midfielders highly, but Farkas has emerged as perhaps the most complete profile. Coaches see him as a tactically adaptable, technically accomplished and physically robust option who could evolve into a first-team contributor. His ability to operate as a 6, 8, 10 or even from wide areas mirrors a development path previously taken by Curtis Jones.

Recent performances have only strengthened the club’s determination to retain him. He has two assists in his last two U18 appearances despite still being U16 age, and he has already been involved in the UEFA Youth League, featuring on the U19s’ bench against PSV. Earlier in the season, he made his U21 friendly debut and delivered another assist.

Liverpool have now moved to advance negotiations. Anfield Index understands that Farkas and his family have been invited to the AXA Training Centre this Saturday for formal talks over a scholarship offer and long-term pathway planning. The youngster has been at Liverpool since U11 level, and with his brother Patrik previously in the academy system, the family connection to the club runs deep.

Julian Ward is expected to play a leading role in discussions, with senior figures committed to doing everything possible to convince Farkas that his future lies on Merseyside.

Strategic Priority Amid Wider Uncertainty

While speculation continues over the direction of the first team, academy retention remains one of Liverpool’s most important structural objectives. Securing Abe, Joseph and Farkas would not only protect the club’s long-term midfield blueprint but also reinforce the identity and continuity that have defined Liverpool’s youth strategy over the past decade.

Over the coming days, the club hopes clarity will emerge. What is certain is that Liverpool cannot afford to let generational talent slip through their grasp at a moment when forward planning has never been more important.