Liverpool youngster Elijah Gift is closing on a permanent move to La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, confirms Fabrizio Romano. The youngster joined the Reds as a U12 player but has decided to take his career elsewhere.
Liverpool Youngster Elijah Gift Close to Athletic Bilbao Move
Understand Athletic Club are set to sign Liverpool 2006-born forward Elijah Gift on permanent deal. He’s set to undergo medical at Bilbao. ⚪️🔴✨ #transfers
Athletic have agreed terms with #LFC. 16 year old set to sign long term deal — first call on interest, @jortizdelazcano. pic.twitter.com/Fucz63c7F9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2023
Gift Set to Undergo Medical Before Spain Move
Liverpool recently confirmed that they will be allowing a number of players in the senior squad to leave at the end of the season, including the likes of Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita and James Milner – who is reported to be likely to join Brighton. Arthur Melo, who arrived on loan from Juventus last season, has also confirmed his departure.
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But it appears that there are players leaving at the youth level too. Romano states that the Reds have already agreed terms with Athletic Bilbao over a move for the 16-year-old, who is expected to sign a long-term contract with them. Gift will be undergoing his medical with the La Liga giants soon before completing his move.
The Athletic have also reported that Liverpool are expected to receive a fee of around £1 million for this transfer and that Gift is being compelled to leave the club due to a lot of competition around his position in the U18 team.
Who is Elijah Gift?
Described as an ‘exciting player’ who can play across both the flanks by the official Liverpool website, Gift has been undergoing his development with the Reds for a few years now after starting out as part of Huddersfield’s academy. He was able to get quite a lot of game-time for Liverpool’s U18 side this season, even being featured in the UEFA Youth League.
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Gift made 17 appearances in the U17 Premier League last season, scoring three goals and providing as many assists. He also played in the FA Youth Cup where the Reds’ U18 side fell to Ipswich Town in the fifth round. The Spaniard will now be going back to the country he was born in to try to break through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao, who are poised for a top-8 finish in the 2022/23 La Liga season.
