AcademyDJ Esdaille signs first professional contract with Liverpool FC

The 18-year-old Scouser is a second-year scholar with Simon Wiles’ U18 squad.

An attacking right-back, England youth international Esdaille has also played at centre-back several times this season.

He has been at the Academy since U10 level and continued his development with two starts for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League this campaign, against Atletico Madrid and MSK Zilina respectively.

“Obviously I’m buzzing to sign for my boyhood club,” Esdaille told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It’s been a long journey, coming in since the age of 10, I came in from grassroots. The longer and older I’ve got, I’ve progressed very well through the age groups, so it’s been good.”

He added: “I haven’t been lucky with injuries but that’s just motivation for the next season coming up. I want to get into the U21s team. I can’t wait for it.”