Liverpool Unveils Ambitious £20 Million Upgrade Plan for Kirkby Academy

Key Takeaways:

• Liverpool announced a £20 million redevelopment of the Kirkby Academy, set to be completed by 2028
• The renovation will introduce the club’s first fully enclosed full-size pitch and upgraded medical, sports-science, and spectator facilities
• Liverpool’s academy generated over £200 million from player sales in the past five years, with around £100 million earned this summer alone

Major Investment in Kirkby: Facilities Set for Transformation

Liverpool have revealed plans for a comprehensive £20 million overhaul of their Kirkby academy, marking the facility’s most significant revamp since it first opened in 1998. The Fenway Sports Group ownership views this project as recognition of the academy’s pivotal contribution to recent squad achievements and a testament to its remarkable ability to generate revenue from youth talent.

Details of the Redevelopment Project

Key elements of the project include the construction of a covered dome over the main pitch, which will be directly connected to the existing academy building. For the first time in the club’s history, Liverpool will possess a fully enclosed, full-size pitch. Other upgrades involve the modernisation of medical and sports-science departments, the installation of a natural grass pitch to replace artificial turf, and the addition of a new stand with seating for approximately 500 spectators. The complete set of plans is currently undergoing approval, with completion targeted for 2028.

🚨 Liverpool are set to embark on £20m redevelopment of their academy, it will be a biggest transformation of their youth training base in Kirkby since it opened in 1998.

(@JamesPearceLFC) pic.twitter.com/hgskoi89QF

— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) September 4, 2025

Phase 1 Enhancements Already in Place

This redevelopment constitutes the second phase of a broader transformation. The first stage, finalised during the summer, delivered new small-sided match training grids, an athletic development zone named “The Yard”, a padel court, and an innovative skills zone inspired by Roma’s academy. Furthermore, upgraded lighting has been installed throughout the complex, ensuring all pitches remain available for evening training sessions.

Leadership Perspective and Infrastructure Growth

Alex Inglethorpe, academy director and long-serving member of the Liverpool backroom staff, told The Athletic:

“This is a big statement. The owners have already made serious infrastructure investments—the reconstruction of the Anfield stands, the building of the AXA Training Centre, as well as the refurbishment of Melwood for the women’s team. Now it’s our turn and this is extremely exciting. We have never had a full-size indoor facility to put us on par with our rivals. Until now, we have often had to cancel training because of the conditions or the quality has suffered. The new facility will change everything.”

Financial Impact of Academy Successes

Over the last five years, Liverpool’s academy has delivered more than £200 million in revenue through the sale of its graduates. This summer alone, deals amounting to around £100 million, including relevant bonuses, contributed to that figure.

Recent Transfer Activity

On the final day of the transfer window, Harvey Elliott, brought in from Fulham as a 16-year-old for £4.3 million, made a move to Aston Villa. The deal is a loan arrangement, yet includes a clause mandating a permanent transfer for a fee of £35 million.