The young right back joined Liverpool in 2020 from his hometown club in Northern Ireland, Dungannon Swifts, and showed his potential in the academy, making appearances in the Champions League as well as the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2021-22 season.
Seeking further development and a chance to play regularly, he joined Bolton Wanderers on loan for a year in the 2022-23 season, making 41 appearances in EFL League One and winning a total of individual titles.
Liverpool released Scotland U-21 defender Calvin Ramsay, whom they bought last summer, on loan, and had the Northern Ireland defender with them in preseason, playing like a false side-back in a friendly match as a reserve for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
According to The Athletic, the 20-year-old defender, who is under contract until 2023, is expected to sign a new three-year contract. They also report that interest from the Premier League and the Championship was received, but that an agreement on terms had been reached earlier this month.
If his playing style, which has become more powerful after his time at Bolton, is combined with his original clever positioning and other qualities, he could be good enough to compete for an equal position with Alexander-Arnold even within a few years.
This season, he should gain experience in a few games in the domestic league, mainly in cup competitions, and prove that he can play at the highest level in the world as well. Can he surpass the English defender and become the leading right back in European soccer…?