Liverpool Forward Agrees Bournemouth Move
There has been another development in the increasingly busy pipeline between Liverpool and Bournemouth, as highly rated young forward Afolabi Akaunu has agreed to join the Cherries from Liverpool.
This move marks yet another connection between the two clubs, which has only grown stronger since Richard Hughes left his role as Bournemouth’s sporting director to join Liverpool and work alongside Michael Edwards at Anfield. The bond now seems to be facilitating movement in both directions.
Liverpool have already been linked with signing Bournemouth’s left-back Milos Kerkez this summer, a deal that now appears complete after the Hungarian’s Instagram bio was updated to include Liverpool FC, effectively confirming his arrival on Merseyside.
In the opposite direction, however, 16-year-old Akaunu will be taking a different path as he prepares to make the switch from Liverpool’s academy to Bournemouth. Though the move has not yet been formally announced by either club, sources close to the academy have confirmed the agreement, with the player expected to link up with Bournemouth’s development squad for the 2025/26 season.
Akaunu is regarded as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in Liverpool’s youth ranks. A skilful and intelligent forward with strong finishing instincts, he has been a standout for the U17 side this past season and has been with the Reds since the Under-9 level. His departure, while expected internally, still comes as a blow to those hoping to see him rise through the academy ranks at Kirkby.
In recent months, it became increasingly clear that Akaunu was open to a new challenge. Despite Liverpool’s efforts to retain him, including talks over a new scholarship and professional terms for the future, the player and his representatives opted to pursue a path that offered a clearer route to first-team football.
Bournemouth’s academy and development structure, which has been growing in reputation in recent years, appears to have convinced Akaunu and his camp that his ambitions would be best served on the south coast.
For Bournemouth, this signing is yet another example of their strategy to recruit high-potential young talent from elite academies in order to strengthen their long-term prospects. The club has shown a willingness to provide first-team opportunities to emerging players, something that likely played a role in Akaunu’s decision.
For Liverpool, this is another reminder of the competitive nature of youth development in modern football. Even with a world-class academy setup, keeping hold of every bright prospect is nearly impossible, particularly with so many Premier League clubs offering alternate pathways to the top.
While the deal does not involve a large fee, Liverpool are expected to receive a modest training compensation sum as per FIFA regulations for the years spent developing Akaunu.
As the transfer window continues, the flow of talent between Liverpool and Bournemouth seems unlikely to end here. With Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes now working together, the two clubs may continue to be regular collaborators—both at senior and academy levels.
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