Kieran Maguire: Liverpool could sign next Trent Alexander-Arnold amid '£50m' claim
Liverpool could recruit the next Trent Alexander-Arnold and save £50million in one fell swoop through their use of data analytics in the academy department.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the latest news from behind the scenes at Liverpool.
As reported by iNews last Thursday (26 May), the Merseysiders are set to add a full-time academy analyst to their staff.
It is understood that news represents a wish fulfilled for Ian Graham, the man who is head honcho of data and analytics at Anfield
Graham has used data to extraordinary effect in the recruitment department for the senior team.
And Maguire explains that applying the same principles to the academy could save Liverpool serious money in the long term.
"Liverpool would love to have a few more Trents come through the ranks," he told Football Insider's Adam Williams.
"They have one or two others who are knocking on the door. Every academy player of a high calibre who comes through the ranks is saving you £50m in the transfer market.
"This model of recruitment makes a lot of sense. The cost of hiring someone is going to be very modest but the return could be very, very high."
Alexander Arnold, 23, is widely regarded as one of the world's finest right-backs.
The likes of Curtis Jones, Rhys Williams and Caoimhin Kelleher have also come through the ranks in recent years.