A former Liverpool academy defender has started a new chapter in his career after making the move to non-league football.
North West Counties League Premier Division side Burscough FC have officially announced the signing of Josh Davidson, with Liverpool’s Academy also acknowledging the move on social media and wishing the young defender the best for the future.
Burscough described the arrival as “a fantastic signing for the football club” and another indication of the direction they are aiming to take.
But who exactly is their new signing?
Born on 23 September 2005, Davidson joined Liverpool at just six years old and spent around 14 years progressing through the club’s academy system.
He made his U18 debut during the 2021/22 season while still an U16 player before becoming a regular during the following campaign as a first-year scholar.
In October 2022, Davidson signed his first professional contract with Liverpool and later stepped up to U21 football during the 2023/24 season.
He went on to feature regularly in Premier League 2, making 15 appearances for Liverpool’s U21s during the 2025/26 campaign. He also featured in EFL Trophy matches against Burton Albion and Chesterfield.
In March 2026, Davidson joined National League North club Buxton on loan until the end of the season, giving him his first experience of senior men’s football.
He made his Buxton debut from the bench just hours after completing the move. At the time, the club described him as a strong and determined full back who enjoys getting forward.
Although primarily a right back, Davidson is also capable of playing on the left.
Earlier in 2026, he confirmed that he would leave Liverpool when his contract expired at the end of the 2025/26 season, bringing an end to a 14-year journey with his boyhood club. He has also reportedly represented England at youth level.
Now 21, Davidson has begun a fresh chapter with Burscough.
The club praised him as a talented, composed and modern full back with an excellent footballing education, while highlighting that he still has plenty of potential to fulfil.
Burscough also expressed their delight at having him continue his career in green, ending their announcement with a fitting message: “Once a Red. Now a Linnet.”
For Davidson, the move provides an opportunity to gain regular senior football and rebuild momentum after leaving the only professional club he had ever known.
Many former academy players have used non-league football as a platform to revive their careers, and at 21, Davidson still has plenty of time to develop and progress.
Liverpool supporters will no doubt be hoping to see him enjoy success in this next stage of his career.
