Just five months after departing Liverpool, a promising young winger appears to be on the verge of a rapid return to English football, marking a surprising twist in his early career.
While the major attacking exits from Anfield during the summer involved established names like Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, another departure quietly raised eyebrows for different reasons. Liverpool academy prospect Ranel Young chose an unexpected path by moving to Serbian side Usce in July, despite being offered a new contract by the Reds.
The decision looked bold at the time, but it failed to deliver the breakthrough the 19-year-old may have hoped for. Young managed just five appearances for the Stepojevac-based club and has not featured since September.
With limited opportunities and momentum stalled, both parties agreed to terminate the contract, leaving the winger as a free agent only months after leaving Merseyside.
That situation has now opened the door to a swift return to England. According to a Wednesday afternoon report from Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, Young has reached an agreement to join Championship side Bristol City.
The former Liverpool youngster has already been training with the Robins, and the deal is expected to be officially completed ahead of the January transfer window.
Once ratified, the move will see Young added to Gerhard Struber’s squad for the second half of the season. Bristol City currently sit 11th in the Championship standings, just four points shy of the play-off places, and remain firmly in the hunt for a strong push in the months ahead.
The club believes the teenager could add something different to their attacking options as they look to build momentum.
Although Young never made a competitive first-team appearance for Liverpool, he did come close. He was named among the substitutes for two domestic fixtures last season: the Carabao Cup victory away at Brighton in October 2024 and the surprise FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle in February, as documented by Transfermarkt.
Those moments hinted at the club’s belief in his potential, even if a senior breakthrough ultimately proved elusive.
During his time in Liverpool’s academy, Young earned a reputation as an exciting wide player. He stood out for his electric pace, confidence in taking on defenders, and a direct approach in the final third. Comfortable cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, he regularly delivered dangerous balls into the box and showed flashes of creativity that made him one to watch at youth level.
At Ashton Gate, competition for attacking places exists, but the squad is not overloaded with natural wingers. That could work in Young’s favour, giving him a realistic chance to earn minutes and showcase his ability in the Championship.
With Bristol City having fallen short in last season’s play-off semi-finals, the club remains determined to challenge again, potentially eyeing a route to the Premier League in 2026.
After an unproductive spell abroad, this move represents a fresh start for Young. The hope is that he can rediscover his rhythm, make a meaningful impact in the second half of the campaign, and begin to fulfil the promise he once showed on the training pitches at Kirkby.
