Liverpool have confirmed that versatile Nigerian defender Emmanuel Airoboma has signed his first professional contract with the English Premier League champions.
According to the club: “The Reds confirmed at the end of last season that Airoboma and another player of Nigerian descent, Wellity Lucky, had been offered new contracts to extend their stay at the Merseyside club.”
Airoboma accepted the offer, officially putting pen to paper on his first professional deal.
The 18-year-old, whose main position is centre-back but can also fill in at right fullback, has been on Liverpool’s books since under-12 level, rising through the ranks to make his debut in the U18 Premier League in his first season as a scholar.
He was recruited from grassroots football after being spotted by Liverpool Academy scout Wayne Woods. “Airoboma has been promoted to Liverpool U21s following his contract extension,” the club confirmed.
Airoboma made his Premier League 2 debut on 25 August, coming off the bench to replace Wellity Lucky in a 3-2 away loss to Burnley.
He was also called up for the EFL Trophy clash against the first team of Burton Albion, though he remained on the bench.
Before stepping up to the U21s, Airoboma featured in 22 U18 Premier League games. He was in the Liverpool U21 side that thrashed Bauchi-based Nigerian club One Touch FC 4-0 in a pre-season friendly at the AXA Training Centre last month.