Liverpool have confirmed that 17-year-old defender Lucas Clarke has signed his first professional contract with the club. ✍️🔴
The Reds are currently going through a transition in defence, with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez approaching the final year of their contracts, while young centre-backs such as Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are viewed as potential long-term options.
Liverpool also have several promising defenders coming through the academy, including Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Mor Talla Ndiaye. Clarke has now taken another major step in his development by putting pen to paper on his first senior deal.
Lucas Clarke signs first professional contract
Liverpool confirmed on Thursday that Clarke has committed his future to the club after signing his first professional contract at the AXA Training Centre.
The 17-year-old joined Liverpool from Manchester City midway through the 2024/25 season and enjoyed a productive campaign with the academy. He featured regularly for the Under-18s in the Premier League North and also made three appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
A major milestone for Clarke
Signing a first professional contract represents a huge moment in Clarke’s young career.
Described by Liverpool as a composed centre-back, the teenager has clearly impressed the club enough to earn professional terms. While a first-team debut may still be some distance away, his next target will be to continue progressing and establish himself at Under-21 level.
Liverpool have several talented young centre-backs competing for a future place in the senior squad, but Clarke will be hoping to continue developing and eventually make the step up to first-team football.
Congratulations to Lucas Clarke on his first professional contract! 🔴✍️ Here’s to many more milestones in a Liverpool shirt.
