Anfield Index
·30 December 2024
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·30 December 2024
Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to 18-year-old Ryan One, the Scotland-born striker making waves in the Championship with Sheffield United. Known for nurturing youth talent, the Reds could see One as a long-term asset for both their academy and first team.
Ryan One began his career at Hamilton Academical, where he made 36 appearances and scored four goals before joining Sheffield United. The move to the Championship was seen as a chance to further develop in a competitive environment. Since then, he has made a significant impression, appearing in eight of Sheffield United’s last ten games and netting his first goal in a 2-1 win over Bristol City.
Chris Wilder, Sheffield United’s manager, has shown faith in the young forward, offering him first-team opportunities that have helped accelerate his development. One’s physical presence and maturity beyond his years have not gone unnoticed by scouts from top clubs, including Liverpool.
According to reporter Alan Nixon via Patreon, Liverpool are “building a dossier” on One. They reportedly view him as a “powerful youngster” who could bolster their academy setup. While his price tag might be significant for a youth player, Liverpool’s history of turning raw talent into world-class performers suggests they are willing to make the investment.
While One has shown promise, transitioning from the Championship to the Premier League is no easy task. However, his early exposure to senior football and the trust placed in him by Wilder indicate he possesses the resilience and potential to succeed.
Liverpool fans are no strangers to being linked with emerging talent, and Ryan One’s name has sparked both curiosity and scepticism. The striker’s rise has been impressive, but questions remain about whether the Reds truly missed a trick by not signing him earlier during his Hamilton days.
One sceptical supporter might ask: why didn’t Liverpool snap him up sooner? At Hamilton, One was already showing glimpses of his ability, yet he was allowed to move to Sheffield United instead of joining a Premier League academy. For a club like Liverpool, who have a track record of signing young talents directly from smaller clubs, this delayed interest feels odd.
Another concern is whether One’s potential justifies the likely high fee Sheffield United would demand. At 18, he’s undoubtedly talented, but Championship performances don’t always translate to Premier League success. Fans might recall other hyped prospects who failed to make the grade at Liverpool despite shining in lower leagues.
That said, Liverpool’s interest in One aligns with their strategy of investing in youth. If signed, One would have the opportunity to learn under Arne Slot’s high-energy style of play. However, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will prioritise him over more established targets in their ongoing rebuild.