With the new Women's Super League season fast approaching, Gareth Taylor's squad is starting to take shape. Liverpool have signed six new senior players so far this summer, most-recently unveiling Natalia Ramos on Thursday, who has arrived from CD Tenerife Femenino in Liga F. Meantime, the Reds are also committed to bringing through players from their youth team, underlining this today's news.
On Friday morning, the club announced that Neve McDonald has signed her first professional contract with the Liverpool. The teenager was ecstatic about the news:
"It's a very proud moment for me and my family. I'm really grateful to be in this position... It means everything to pull on the Liverpool shirt every day. Growing up, everyone wants to play football professionally and live out their dream. Now I am so it's a really happy moment for me."Neve McDonald
A proud moment. The hard work continues for Neve McDonald 👊 pic.twitter.com/QfsbT04Zjg
— Liverpool FC Women (@LiverpoolFCW) August 7, 2026
She also thanked her family, specifically her brother, stating that "if it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't be playing". The 18 year old has already made her senior debut for Liverpool. She came off the bench for the final 25 minutes of a 4-0 win over Everton in the League Cup group stages at St Helens Stadium in December 2024, replacing Ceri Holland.
Last season, McDonald was an unused substitute five times, without getting on. Nevertheless, she thanks manager Gareth Taylor for showing faith in her at such a young age.
"Gareth has really helped me push myself and I've already learned a lot from him and his staff. Everyone knows his experience and how much he supports young players... I just want to learn and improve every day, taking it all in my stride."
As the defender notes herself, she is currently rehabilitating following an injury, but states "hopefully I can get out on the pitch and be back in training" very soon. Despite her lack of club expirence, McDonald is a Scotland under-19 international, regularly featuring for the Tartan Army at youth level.
Following the announcement of her contract, Leandra Little, who is Liverpool Women's Pro Game Academy manager, stated that everyone working at the academy "are immensely proud" of her, and that that McDonald "has a great deal of potential and has worked extremely hard for this opportunity, and we are excited to see what the future holds for her".
Her current injury is ill-timed, considering the Reds kick off pre-season against Sheffield United at Melwood on Saturday, but she should feature at some stage in the coming months.
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