Liverpool Sign 16-Year-Old Australian Jake Brimmer

 MELBOURNE teenager Jake Brimmer is pinching himself after signing with boyhood idol Liverpool, but said the ­ultimate goal is cracking ­Brendan Rodgers’ firsts team.
The crafty midfielder signed with the Reds after impressing youth coaches during trials.
Brimmer, who turned 16 in April, was spotted during ­Liverpool’s Melbourne tour last July and penned a three-year deal with the giant.
On the verge of signing with Melbourne Victory before Reds scouts spotted him, ­Brimmer’s Maltese ancestry enables him to relocate before turning 18 using his European Union passport.

Brimmer said it was the first step to realising his first-team dream.
“That’s the goal, it’s a big move but hopefully it’s not just three years. I want to make a career out of it, make the first team and make it my life,’’ Brimmer said.
“It’s unbelievable, I’ve been over three times and the ­experience gets better. It’s ­surreal.
“Walking around the changerooms, going to Melwood (training base) and warming up at Anfield for an under-21 game after supporting Liverpool as a kid, my childhood dream is coming true.
“I’ve been put on a pre-season program at Liverpool which includes fitness and gym work and lots of technical work with Greg (Mangonis, Nuna­wading City coach) and I plan to go there fitter than ever.
“I met Kenny Dalglish, who was brilliant and offered his support, also Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler. It was amazing.’’
The overhaul of Liverpool’s once famous academy has been Rodgers-led and his hands-on approach is akin to Ange Postecoglou at Victory.
Liverpool scout Barry Hunter spotted him playing for the Victorian NTC (National Training Centre) squad at Moreland last July.
But it was at Nunawading City, a club at which Postecoglou had helped set up the junior structure, where Brimmer cut his teeth.
He felt at home in a Reds shirt with Nunawading having adopted a similar technique and possession-based football philosophy.
Postecoglou, who offered Brimmer the Victory contract before accepting the Socceroos job, said there was a long way to go before he could join Aussies Craig Johnston, Harry Kewell and Brad Jones as first-teamers.
“I’ve known Jake and his family for a little while and it’s an exciting opportunity for him and they’re very excited by his development,’’ he said.
“He’s got some major obstacles to overcome, but he’s a very talented kid, he’s very committed to the national team as well so it would be great if he could develop.
“I spoke to Brendan briefly, he’s aware of him, but it’s more the academy coaches that have shown the interest.