Liverpool wonderkid who netted 90 goals in a year required to sign unique ‘car clause,’ and the reasoning behind it is brilliant.

Liverpool have adopted an unusual strategy to keep their academy players, including highly-rated forward Keyrol Figueroa, grounded as they progress through the youth ranks.

Figueroa, who scored an impressive 90 goals in a single calendar year for the Reds, signed his first professional contract in May last year after several prolific seasons at youth level. His contract likely included a unique ‘car clause,’ designed to help young players maintain focus and humility.

In 2023, Liverpool academy director Alex Inglethorpe explained this approach, highlighting how the club’s young players are required to sign the clause. He emphasized that players driving flashy or extravagant cars to the Melwood training ground could create the wrong impression, both among staff and senior players.

Citing senior professionals like Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner as role models, Inglethorpe said:

“There’s a balance. We ask players to sign a car clause so they don’t drive in with something like a Range Rover. It’s not just about the staff’s perception but also about the senior players. Their first cars likely reflected humility, and I share this message with the boys. You can’t equate owning a flashy car with being a first-team player.”

Inglethorpe added that the clause reflects the club’s philosophy of deferred gratification:

“We could pay them more, but we don’t because it’s about earning it. If we disapprove of their car, they can park it elsewhere, but not in the Academy. It’s about ensuring they don’t fail their audition before stepping onto the pitch. We also want them to prioritize safety as young drivers managing heavy vehicles.”

He further noted the pressures young players face in the age of social media:

“Instagram, TikTok, and follower counts can trap young players in a cycle of chasing image and lifestyle. It’s a race they can’t win. Inner confidence matters more, and I worry about the impact of these pressures, where life is often portrayed as Instagr

am-perfect.”