Brandon Barker as soon as ‘destroyed’ Trent Alexander-Arnold however the now free agent is gunning to play soccer once more.
A product of Manchester Metropolis’s youth setup, Barker was touted as one of the vital thrilling up-and-coming skills in English soccer.
5
5
The winger was their Academy Gamers’ Participant of the 12 months in the course of the 2013/14 season and even gave Alexander-Arnold a run for his cash.
In an interview with Liverpool in 2023, the Reds vice-captain was requested about the very best participant he had ever come up in opposition to and mentioned: “I’d say Brandon Barker, performed for Metropolis.
“I used to be 18, taking part in for the Underneath-21s, first-ever time at Anfield, obtained beat 3-0. He scored two and obtained an help. I got here off at 60 [minutes].
“Nonetheless to today, he is the opponent I believe that simply destroyed me, man. I’ve by no means had it like that earlier than.
“At that time, I am considering, ‘This child goes to be the very best participant on the earth’. As a result of I would by no means seen somebody transfer so rapidly and sharp and successfully, so I would say Brandon Barker.”
Barker made only one senior look for Metropolis earlier than leaving in 2019 for Rangers however is at present with out a membership.
He final performed for Morecambe in the course of the second half of the 2023/24 season and chatting with The Athletic, he is eager to make his return.
“I’ve by no means been too bothered about cash. One purpose I had after I began was to assist my mum and pop purchase a really good home,” mentioned the 28-year-old.
“I used to be fortunate sufficient to have the ability to try this. Me and my household have fully totally different lives now from after I was rising up, so I’m grateful for that.
“Setbacks occur. I’ve been via loads, however there are footballers who’ve been via extra setbacks than me.
5
5
“I’ve simply obtained to maintain attempting and giving it every part I’ve obtained till I can’t do it anymore. I simply wish to play.”
Barker additionally responded to Alexander-Arnold’s declare, which got here after he scored for Metropolis’s U21s in a 3-0 win over Liverpool’s U21s in 2016.
“I’m certain he’s had tougher video games, given among the superstars he performed in opposition to, but it surely’s good of him to say it. I’d by no means performed in opposition to him earlier than.
“He appeared very younger and he was very small and thin, whereas I used to be already established at that degree. However I used to be fairly good that day, to be truthful.”
Throughout his time at Metropolis, Barker had mortgage spells at Rotherham United, NAC Breda, Hibernian and Preston North Finish.
The one look he made for his boyhood membership got here off the bench in a 5-1 FA Cup defeat to Chelsea within the 2015/16 season.
5
He then moved to Rangers and made 27 appearances, profitable the Scottish Premiership in the course of the 2020/21 marketing campaign throughout which he additionally performed for Oxford United on mortgage.
A brief spell at Studying adopted in 2022 earlier than Barker moved to Cypriot facet Omonia, though he spent only one season there.
Morecambe then signed him on a short-term contract in the beginning of 2024 however he made solely two appearances for the League Two outfit.