Liverpool have kick started their January transfer window with the first exit as young left-back, James Norris, departs The Reds.
Liverpool have confirmed the permanent departure of defender James Norris to Shelbourne FC. The move, completed as the January transfer window opened, concludes the 22-year-old’s long association with the club.
Scouser since his early days
Norris, a Scouser, originally joined Liverpool’s academy at under-nine level. He climbed the youth ranks and made two senior appearances. His debut came in unusual circumstances. In December 2019, with Liverpool’s senior squad at the Club World Cup, a youth team was fielded for a Carabao Cup tie at Aston Villa. Norris, aged 16, came on for the final ten minutes of the 5-0 defeat. This made him the fourth-youngest player to ever debut for the club’s first team.[smartframe_images_embed customer-id=”04742eb90cefa12a5e3ab9bae92c2b93″ image-id=”neimK0c5Jq1E” style=”width: 100%; display: inline-flex; max-width: 4104px; aspect-ratio: 4104/2736;”]
His second and final appearance came off the bench in an FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town in January 2022. Last season, he was named on the bench four times but did not add to his senior tally.
Norris’s moment at Shelbourne
The path to a permanent exit was forged last February when Norris joined Shelbourne on loan. The spell in the League of Ireland Premier Division proved highly successful. He made 45 appearances for the club, becoming a key player and winning the team’s 1895 Young Player of the Year award, voted by teammates.
That positive experience made the move a logical next step. Expressing his delight, Norris told Shelbourne’s official website: “Absolutely delighted to make the move permanent. I loved my time here on loan and it feels like the right place for me to continue my development.”
Liverpool confirmed the transfer with a short statement, noting: “Everyone at Liverpool FC wishes James the best of luck for the future.”
The deal represents a fresh start for the versatile left-sided player and allows Liverpool to streamline its squad, facilitating the progress of an academy graduate who found his opportunity elsewhere.
Liverpool, meanwhile are anticipated to complete a move for Club Brugge defender, Joel Ordonez, for a reported £43 million fee.
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