Liverpool midfielder Abdi Sharif has signed his first professional contract with the Reds.
The 18-year-old has been at the club since the age of six and was part of Barry Lewtas' Under-18 side last term, helping the young Reds to the FA Youth Cup trophy in April.
Sharif scored from the spot for Lewtas' side to see off Manchester City on penalties at the Etihad Campus as Liverpool lifted the cup for the first time in 12 years back on April 25.
Originally from Somalia, Sharif was raised in Toxteth and has become an important member of the U18s team during his time at the Academy.
He made his full U23s debut under Neil Critchley back in January and is expected to feature more prominently next season at Kirkby.
The versatile Sharif has featured in a number of roles across the Academy age groups, but sees himself as a central midfielder, long term.
“I was a centre-forward at first! I’ve played a lot of positions since I’ve been here,” he said last year.
“But I think with the abilities I have and what I’ve been blessed with - running and things like that - I feel more comfortable playing in midfield.
“Midfield’s the position I want to play in but if the team need a position to be played then I’m always up for that. I’m always available.”
The news comes after Liverpool completed their first signing of the summer by landing Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle for £1.3m.
