Hijack complete as Liverpool's transfer plans are confirmed

Liverpool still have a lot of work to do to their squad before the transfer window slams shut.

Most people thought that the Reds would be welcoming at least five or six players but, at this moment in time, it feels like they'd be lucky to even replace Mohamed Salah.

Several members of their first-team squad are still being linked with moves away with Stefan Bajcetic even being shown the exit door.

The biggest name to have been linked with an exit is obviously Cody Gakpo but, if Richard Hughes doesn't get deals for a couple of attackers over the line, there's no way that they can move the Dutchman on.

However, despite everything that is going on at Anfield, there's still a lot that needs to be sorted and, with less than a week left of the transfer window, it's feels like it's now or never for some deals.

Matias Orozco is no longer joining Liverpool

Despite Liverpool needing players for their first-team squad, they've also had quite a strong focus on improving their youth ranks over the last couple of years.

Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha are the best examples of this as both players were prised away from other academies and are now being handed first-team opportunities for the Reds.

Liverpool's academy has always been seen as one of the best in the world with the Anfield outfit even being one of the best teams for academy graduates to get into their senior squad.

Recently, especially under Arne Slot, that wasn't the case but now that Andoni Iraola is at the helm, it feels like some significant changes are going to be made.

However, unfortunately for them, one of the wonderkids that Liverpool wanted to sign now looks likely to head elsewhere.

"Matías Orozco (18) will be a new player for #Brighton. The deal closes for 4.8M$ + bonuses for 85% with Cali," Pipe Sierra shared via X.

"The Colombian will travel tonight to Europe with his agent Leonardo Daza to complete the visa process, medical exams, and contract signing."

Liverpool will have to turn their attention to other talent for their academy

Last season, Liverpool's focus on bringing in players for their academy was strong.

Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe and Samuel Martinez are three players who were all brought in last season to try and bolster the Reds' ranks.

Of the three, Ndukwe looks to be the best with Liverpool rather unhappy that he didn't qualify for enough points to earn a work permit in the UK.

This led to him being sent out on loan to Levante so that he can get some senior experience under his belt and potentially return to Anfield in January.

Orozco was expected to be the next youngster brought in by Hughes with talks taking place for the midfelder for a while now.

And, even though the Reds were the only ones in the running for most of the summer, the Colombian now seems to have chosen Brighton as his next destination.

This means that Liverpool will need to turn their attention elsewhere and try to find someone as good as the 18-year-old to plug that gap.

Here's hoping that something can be figured out soon so that the Reds' academy can continue to be seen as one of the best in England.