Young center-back Oludare Olufunwa has been officially signed by Liverpool after being released by Southampton despite spending ten years in the club’s development.
Oludare Olufunwa will make his debut for his new club’s under-21 squad after moving from Southampton to Merseyside on a free transfer.
The 21-year-old defender spent 11 years in the Saints’ youth program and made two first-team appearances last season while representing the South Coast side in the EFL Cup.
Olufunwa played a significant role for the club in Premier League 2 throughout the first part of the 2021–2022 campaign.
Despite his popularity inside the academy system, his outings decreased in the second half of the season, and before his 21st birthday in July, the club decided not to extend his contract.
Liverpool gave Olufunwa a trial with the U-21s during their preseason tour this summer in light of his dilemma at Southampton.
The Reds apparently decided to sign the 20-year-old on a permanent basis after he put on a strong performance.
Olufunwa’s chances of playing for the first team this season are slim, but he is expected to be a key member of the U-21 squad.
Oludare Olufunwa stated on his twitter page:
“Excited to be joining this great club, what a special place! Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome, time to get to work.”
Excited to be joining this great club, what a special place! Thank you to everyone for making me feel so welcome, time to get to work ! ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/gWwtUy8TvM
— Oludare Olufunwa (@oludareolufunwa) August 9, 2022