Liverpool eye Lucas Herrington after Barcelona bid rejected

Liverpool have sent scouts to the United States to assess 18‑year‑old Australian centre‑back Lucas Herrington after Barcelona’s opening bid was turned down by his MLS club Colorado Rapids, where the 1.92‑metre defender has been a first‑choice starter since joining in 2026.

Last summer Liverpool signed 19‑year‑old Giovanni Leoni from Parma for around £26m. In January the club secured teenage defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from FC Amitie, and deals for Jeremy Jacquet and Ifeanyi Ndukwe are set to be completed once the transfer window opens.

Herrington is an 18‑year‑old, right‑footed centre‑back standing about 1.92m, dominant aerially and comfortable playing out from the back. He has been a first‑choice starter for Colorado Rapids and is currently with the Socceroos at the FIFA World Cup after debuting in March 2026.

He is contracted to Colorado Rapids until the end of 2029 with a club option for 2030. The Rapids, who sold Moise Bombito to Nice for $7.7m, aim to keep him for at least two full seasons to maximise his value. Current estimates place his market value in the €15‑20m range.

Barcelona has already had an opening bid rejected by Colorado for Herrington, the report reads. Liverpool sent scouts this season, the report discloses.

Liverpool’s recent pattern of signing promising centre‑backs suggests Herrington could be the next addition. A move would fit the club’s strategy of developing young defensive talent.