Arsenal Sign Former Liverpool Academy Forward Joseph After Nine-Year Spell

Arsenal have added 16-year-old forward Joseph to their academy ahead of the 2026/27 season, with the former Liverpool player joining the club’s new first-year scholarship group.

The striker chose a move to north London after declining scholarship terms with Liverpool, ending a nine-year spell at the Merseyside club. Manchester United and Chelsea had also shown firm interest in signing him.

Joseph confirmed his Liverpool departure with a message of thanks on Instagram. “After 9 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye,” he wrote. “Thank you for the memories, and for making my time here truly special. @liverpoolfc YNWA.”

Goalscoring record at club and international level

Arsenal have recruited a forward who made a fast start in Liverpool’s under-18 side last season, scoring three goals across his first two appearances.

His record with England Under-16s has also underlined his standing among the country’s leading players in his age group. Joseph has scored eight times and supplied one assist in nine matches for the Young Lions.

He will now look to establish himself in Arsenal’s under-18 squad, where he is due to link up again with England youth internationals Emerson Nwaneri and Charlie Phillips.

Arsenal continue academy recruitment

Joseph is part of an extensive youth recruitment drive by Arsenal, who have brought in Habeeb Ogunneye, James Scanlon, Igor Tyjon, Axel Donczew, Mylo Bernard and Elijah Upson during the summer.

The club have also arranged future arrivals, with Georgia forward Andria Bartishvili and goalkeeper Phoenix Blayney signing pre-contract agreements to join Arsenal next summer.

For Joseph, the immediate task is to settle into a new academy environment and carry his goalscoring form from Liverpool into Arsenal’s youth ranks.