It was an exciting time to be a Liverpool fan when Football Manager was released a decade ago, in November 2015. The air was buzzing with anticipation, and the Reds’ supporters were filled with hope. Jurgen Klopp had just stepped into the managerial role, bringing a sense of optimism and the promise of a glorious future. The squad included some promising youngsters, and fans were eager to see how many of them would rise to stardom over the coming years.
We took a deep dive into the FMScout archives and picked out Liverpool’s nine wonderkids from Football Manager 16. Let’s see where they are ten years later and reflect on their journeys through the unpredictable landscape of football.
Joe Gomez
Spoiler alert: Gomez is the only player from this list who is still wearing the Liverpool jersey after all these years. He joined the squad fresh from Charlton, and it didn’t take long for him to carve out a role for himself under Klopp’s leadership. Although injuries have often kept him sidelined, Gomez managed to play a crucial part in the unforgettable 2019-20 season, where he formed a standout partnership with Virgil van Dijk. Together, they helped Liverpool win the Premier League title for the first time in 30 years—a moment etched in the hearts of every fan.
These days, he’s still an important option for the team under manager Arne Slot. However, there’s been a bit of hesitation to rely on him too much, mainly due to his injury struggles and the team’s current defensive challenges. Still, his versatility and experience make him a valuable asset when he’s fit.
Jordan Rossiter
Once a fresh-faced superstar at Melwood, Rossiter is now making his mark at Waterford in the League of Ireland. It’s hard to believe he’s 28 years old because he still has that youthful charm. He was recognized as Liverpool Academy Player of the Season back in 2013-14, but unfortunately, he never quite broke into the first team in a meaningful way, logging just a single Premier League appearance for his boyhood club. His move to Rangers didn’t spark the career resurgence fans were hoping for, despite having Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard at the helm.
Since then, Rossiter has found himself moving through various clubs in the English league system—Bury, Fleetwood, Bristol Rovers, Shrewsbury, and Oldham—but he remains hopeful and dedicated as he builds his career in Ireland.
Sheyi Ojo
A former England youth international, Ojo’s journey has been quite the rollercoaster. After being sent out on seven different loan stints—culminating in time at clubs like Reims, Rangers, and Wolves—he was released by Liverpool in the summer of 2022. Cardiff City gave him a chance, but the magic didn’t really ignite there, leading him to become a free agent two years later.
Ojo is currently taking on a new challenge with Maribor, where he was part of a team that finished as runners-up in the Slovenian PrvaLiga during his debut season. While his career may have veered off course compared to those early dreams, he’s still out there chasing the game he loves.
Harry Wilson
Another player who navigated a series of loans, Wilson never quite managed to settle at Klopp’s Liverpool. Making his international debut for Wales in 2013 felt like a precursor to bigger things, but it wasn’t until Liverpool cashed in that he made his mark. He was sold to Fulham for £12 million in 2021, a decision that proved wise.
Under Marco Silva’s guidance, Wilson excelled in the Championship, helping Fulham achieve promotion, and he now boasts over a hundred Premier League appearances to his name. There was even a dramatic moment on deadline day where a move to Leeds was nearly a reality, but ultimately, he remains a valuable and reliable player at Craven Cottage.
Bobby Adekanye
Adekanye’s story is one of promise that never quite reached its peak. Having developed his skills with elite academies like Ajax, Barcelona, and PSV, he joined Liverpool’s youth ranks but never made the jump to the first team. After signing with Lazio in 2019, he logged 11 appearances before embarking on a series of loan spells.
Currently, he’s based in Turkey, playing for the second-tier team Manisa. Though he never hit the heights many hoped for, his journey is still invaluable as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of a career in football.
Ryan Kent
Kent’s early career followed the classic path of a youth player, with one FA Cup appearance and a series of loans that ultimately led to his permanent transfer to Rangers. Under Gerrard, Kent shone as Rangers clinched the Scottish Premiership title and went unbeaten during the 2020-21 season. That incredible run culminated in a Europa League final, where his contributions were key.
Despite a flurry of transfer rumors swirling around him, including potential moves down south, he ultimately landed at Fenerbahce, although that stint turned out to be less than successful. Now, he’s showcasing his talent for the Seattle Sounders in Major League Soccer, where he aims to rediscover his previous form.
Jordon Ibe
Ibe’s trajectory was closely watched, but he never quite managed to fill the shoes of Raheem Sterling, much to the disappointment of certain fans. Moving to Bournemouth for £15 million seemed like a great deal at the time, but it didn’t pan out as hoped. Nevertheless, he has always spoken candidly about his struggles with mental health off the pitch, earning respect in a way that transcends football.
After moving around various lower league clubs, Ibe has recently signed a two-year deal with Lokomotiv Sofia in Bulgaria. While he has faced many trials, earning a living as a professional athlete is still a commendable achievement in a world where many never even get that far.
Jerome Sinclair
Sinclair holds a unique distinction—once Liverpool’s youngest-ever debutant, his career has taken quite a turn. After retiring in 2021, he has since embraced entrepreneurship, owning a branch of the fried chicken chain Morley’s. If that wasn’t surprising enough, he’s recently made a comeback to football, playing for VZNFC in the Baller League. His story illustrates how life can lead you down unexpected paths, but passion for the game can always find a way to resurface.
Divock Origi
A player with a legacy, Origi is known for his spectacular moments, including a goal that sealed a Champions League final victory—a memory that no fan will forget. He received a heartfelt farewell when his contract expired in 2022, and while he now finds himself at AC Milan, his current situation hasn’t been as golden as his iconic moments were. He’s been moved down to the youth reserves and hasn’t seen significant playing time since his challenging loan at Nottingham Forest.
