Ex-Liverpool chief who helped develop Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gareth Bale dies

Ex-Liverpool chief who helped develop Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gareth Bale dies

Fulham's head of academy recruitment, Malcolm Elias, who previously performed a similar role at Liverpool, has died after an impressive career that saw him unlock the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gareth Bale

Malcolm Elias has died after a long career that saw him unearth several talents

Fulham have confirmed that Malcolm Elias, who served as their head of academy recruitment, has died. He spent 16 years at Craven Cottage and had previously nurtured young talent, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, elsewhere.

Elias left Anfield to move to west London in 2009, where he's been ever since. He's keen eye for a player saw him spot and aid the development of Harvey Elliott, who made his debut as the Premier League's youngest ever player and has since moved to Liverpool.

‌

In his previous role at Southampton Elias also nurtured young stars like Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott before they went on to big and better things.

‌

However he has now passed following a short illness with Fulham issuing their condolences to his family. A club statement read: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Malcolm Elias, after a short illness.

"The Club’s Head of Academy Recruitment, Malcolm had a fantastic reputation in football for unearthing and nurturing young talent.

Article continues below

Liverpool make huge new Florian Wirtz offer in bid to strike British record transfer READ MORE:

"A proud Welshman, Malcolm was approaching his 16th anniversary at Craven Cottage this summer, having joined us from Liverpool in July 2009, while he also previously enjoyed a highly successful spell at Southampton alongside future Fulham colleagues Huw Jennings and Steve Wigley.

"The influence that Malcolm had on the modern game cannot be understated, having worked with and developed the likes of Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harvey Elliott, Luke Harris and Jay Stansfield, to name but a few. A hugely popular figure around the training ground, Malcolm will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was among those to benefit from Malcom Elias' guidance (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images )

Article continues below

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paula - Malcolm's ever devoted and endlessly supportive wife of nearly 50 years - his sons Andrew and Daniel, his six beloved grandchildren, as well as his additional family and friends."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Click here to read article