What happened: Liverpool have officially announced that Academy defender Prince Cisse has signed his first professional contract with the club. The 17-year-old centre-back, who has been with the club since the pre-Academy stage, is the son of former Reds striker and 2005 Champions League winner Djibril Cisse.

Why it matters: The signing reinforces Liverpool's successful pattern of developing legacy talents, following in the footsteps of Jayden Danns and Lewis Koumas. While his father was a prolific goalscorer, Prince has established himself as a defensive specialist and recently made a goalscoring debut for the U21 side. This commitment secures a high-potential talent as Arne Slot looks to the next generation of Anfield stars.

What to watch: Cisse is expected to remain part of the U21 setup for the upcoming 2026-27 season. He will be eligible for senior cup selection as the club continues to transition youth talent into the professional ranks.