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Carter Pinnington, the 19-year-old centre-back who has been part of Liverpool’s academy since he was seven years old, is set to join West Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal.
The move marks the end of a long chapter at Anfield for the English defender, who signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in May 2024 and has been a fixture in the club’s U21 setup.
From Liverpool academy to the Hawthorns
Born on February 21, 2007, Pinnington has spent essentially his entire footballing development within Liverpool’s youth system. He has been recognized as a highly rated prospect within the club’s ranks, noted for his comfort on the ball.
Pinnington has featured in senior-adjacent matches, including appearances in the EFL Trophy, and trained with Liverpool’s first team. He holds dual eligibility, with the option to represent South Africa at international level through his father.
The broader context of academy departures
Pinnington joined at age seven, progressed through every level, and earned a professional contract in May 2024. The permanent nature of the deal means this is a clean break, as Liverpool will not retain control or recall ability over the player.
At 19, he remains eligible for U19 competitions and stands at 1.87m. Centre-backs tend to peak later than players in other positions, often not hitting their best form until their mid-to-late twenties.
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