Liverpool confirm late winter transfer as 21-year-old defender seals loan move

The Reds academy graduate has been on the bench for the Premier League leaders in the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Champions League this season but is yet to make a competitive appearance under Arne Slot.

After spending the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Tranmere Rovers, where he played 20 times, Norris will now spend the remainder of the current season with Shelbourne, the reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions.

"Absolutely delighted to sign for Shelbourne. I can't wait to get going, work under the manager and his staff. Really excited to play in Tolka Park and bring more success to the club and fans," Norris told the official Shelbourne website.

During his time with the League of Ireland champions, Norris will be working under Damien Duff, a former two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea who has been in charge of the Shels since late 2021.

"We will never look to stand still hence we have continuously looked to add to the squad. With James coming in I think we can safely say we have strengthened all units of the squad now," Duff added.

"James has made his debut for Liverpool but it is time for him to go out and grow more. He is a very attacking, technical player who can help us build the game in many different ways.

"I've loved watching him from afar and I can't wait to see him up close and personal. There is a deep-rooted connection between Dublin and Liverpool so I have no doubt that Chuck will feel right at home."

Finally, technical director Luke Byrne added: "We are really excited and proud to welcome James to the club. He is a very technical, composed footballer and will fit in well with the squad and the way we want to play.

"It's an area we have been looking at strengthening and he was the one we wanted to complete the squad. We are very thankful to Liverpool, they are very analytical and selective about the clubs they send their players to so it is extremely positive that they trust us with the next stage of James' development."

Norris has made two senior appearances for Liverpool to date, making his debut under Jurgen Klopp in an EFL Cup quarter-final loss to Aston Villa in 2019 and most recently coming off the bench in an FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town in January 2022.

The 21-year-old has represented England from Under-15 to Under-19 level and could make his debut for Shelbourne away to Waterford on Friday evening.

Written by

Ben Knapton