Liverpool Under-18s winger Elijah Gift is on the verge of returning to his home country of Spain, as Liverpool have reached an agreement with Athletic Bilbao regarding his transfer.
Pricey Departure: Liverpool’s Gift to Bilbao
The 16-year-old prodigy, who joined Liverpool from Huddersfield Town as a young player, is poised to make a move to the La Liga side for an undisclosed fee. Athletic Bilbao, known for exclusively recruiting players from the Basque region, had to pay a premium for Gift’s services.
Although the exact fee remains undisclosed, reports suggest that the offer is substantial, estimated to be around £1 million.
Liverpool’s decision to allow Gift’s departure stems from their surplus of attacking talents in the Academy, including Ben Doak, Harvey Blair, Trent Kone-Doherty, and Ranel Young, who recently signed his first professional contract with the club.
This depth convinced Liverpool to accept the offer, considering their well-stocked attacking options at the Under-21s and Under-18s levels.
Gift Unwraps Success at Liverpool
Gift, who just completed his first season with Liverpool Under-18s, made an impact during his time with the club.
He played 21 matches in the 2022/23 season, including his debut in the UEFA Youth League for the Under-19s, where he scored four goals and provided three assists under the guidance of Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.
The highlight of his season came during the Merseyside Derby against Everton, where he contributed a goal and an assist in a 2-2 draw.
Capable of playing on either flank, Gift finished the season strongly, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his last four appearances in the U18 Premier League.
His performance included a goal off the bench in Liverpool’s final 3-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Gift’s Basque Roots Lead Home
The youngster was born in Corella, Spain, about halfway between Zaragoza and Bilbao in the north of the country.
Gift’s imminent move to Athletic Bilbao indicates his return to Spain and adherence to the club’s policy of signing only Basque players. His Basque heritage, coupled with his impressive displays in Liverpool’s youth ranks, attracted the attention of the Spanish club.
Elijah Gift Ready to Leave Liverpool and Join Bilbao
The deal between Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao is in its final stages, pending Gift’s successful completion of a routine medical examination.
Expert Italian transfer market analyst Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the impending transfer, with both clubs having reached an agreement for a fee in the region of one million euros. Gift’s departure from Liverpool prevents him from signing his first professional contract with the club this summer.
Elijah Gift’s journey from joining Liverpool’s academy as a U12 player to his imminent move to Athletic Bilbao showcases his talent and potential.
The young winger’s combination of Spanish and Cuban citizenship, along with his Basque roots, makes him an eligible prospect for the independently-minded Bilbao club.
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