Liverpool youngster Joe Upton, who has served as captain of the U18s this season, has this week signed his first professional contract with the club.
Upton has been with Liverpool since he was six years old and is now a key player for Simon Wiles’ U18s having recently turned 18.
He has captained the side in 11 of his 19 appearances for the U18s as well as featuring in every game for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League, starting in six of seven.
With high hopes for his future, Liverpool have rewarded Upton’s progress with a professional contract – officially announced on Tuesday.
The local-born midfielder, who is typically deployed as a No. 6, is expected to have signed until 2029 with a three-year deal the maximum length for a player’s first professional terms.
“It’s an amazing feeling, I’m so proud to sign for my boyhood club,” Upton told the club’s official website.
“Nearly 13 years at the club now. It’s a massive achievement for me and my family, and I’m so proud of everything.
“The biggest thing is just to get into the U21s at the minute and then hopefully kick on next season, have a really good season and just enjoy my football.”
Upton is yet to debut for the U21s but will step up to the squad from next season as he will no longer be eligible for U18s football.
The same applies to 11 other youngsters:
- Kornel Misciur, goalkeeper
- Bailey Hall, goalkeeper
- DJ Bernard, goalkeeper
- Matty Wright, goalkeeper
- Prince Kobe Cisse, centre-back
- Alvin Ayman, left-back
- DJ Esdaille, right-back
- Ryan Cowley, midfielder
- Ollie O’Connor, midfielder
- Josh Sonni-Lambie, striker
- Joe Bradshaw, winger
U21s regulars Will Wright, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Emmanuel Airoboma will also be ineligible for U18s level as of 2026/27.
Liverpool also recently confirmed a first professional contract for striker Finn Inglethorpe, son of academy director Alex Inglethorpe.
The U18s are currently sixth in the league with four games left to play this season – next up travelling to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, April 11.