Liverpool is reportedly exploring a transfer move for a record-breaking teenager in Serie A, however to pull the deal off Jürgen Klopp has one major obstacle.
Over the previous weekend, Serie A witnessed history as Francesco Camarda, at a mere 15 years, eight months, and 15 days old, became the youngest player in Italian top-flight football. His debut for AC Milan not only secured this record but also marked him as the youngest player ever for the club, surpassing Paolo Maldini’s longstanding achievement.
This rising star, a forward, was an exception granted by the Italian FA, as they typically don’t allow players under 16 to compete in professional football. Camarda’s promotion to the first team was due to an injury crisis at Milan.
Despite only playing a few minutes in his debut, Camarda etched his name in Milan’s history. His monumental appearance garnered widespread attention, with major European clubs, including Liverpool, expressing interest, although reports suggest he’s content in Milan, at least for now.
Liverpool’s attraction to Camarda is logical considering his status as a standout talent at Milan. He’s shone in youth levels and made an impact in Italy’s youth national teams, displaying prowess in goal-scoring and dominating opponents.
His performances in the UEFA Youth League, where he scored against Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund’s U19 sides, further bolster his promising trajectory.
Camarda’s swift rise suggests he’s a prized prospect for AC Milan. Liverpool’s interest is positive, yet obtaining a deal poses a significant hurdle due to post-Brexit regulations. Liverpool, post-Brexit, cannot sign EU players under 18, unlike previously when the threshold was 16, allowing them to recruit from Europe for their academy.
To secure Camarda, Liverpool faces two choices: sign him on a pre-contract and loan him for at least two seasons, or wait until the 2026 summer transfer window when he turns 18 and can move abroad as per FIFA’s regulations.
Waiting until then poses a challenge for Liverpool, especially with rival clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea, who have better mechanisms for such transfers due to their connections and feeder teams in EU countries, also vying for Camarda’s talent.
Leave a Reply