Bobby Duncan is the cousin of Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard and looked to be following in his relative’s footsteps before a controversial exit from Anfield in 2019

Bobby Duncan is currently without a club (Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Bobby Duncan’s departure from Liverpool in 2019 remains one of the club’s most intriguing “what ifs” in recent memory.

Being related to Anfield icon Steven Gerrard was always going to heap on the pressure, but the young striker seemed to be managing it well before his 2019 exit while still part of the academy. The 23-year-old began his football career at Mossley Hill and St Helens Town, before getting his first significant academy opportunity with Wigan Athletic in 2010.

After a year with the Latics, Manchester City spotted Duncan’s potential and nurtured him until 2017 when a reported contract dispute left him out of action for a year. In 2018, he made a move to his childhood club, Liverpool, where his future initially looked very promising.

He scored numerous goals alongside fellow striker Paul Glatzel in the 2018/19 season, including a late equalizer against his former club City in the FA Youth Cup final, leading to a 5-3 victory after extra time and penalties. In July 2019, Duncan’s prospects brightened further when he featured in a senior pre-season match against Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park under Jurgen Klopp, scoring in the 6-0 win and earning praise for his comfortable performance.

However, within a month, things had seemingly turned sour for Duncan on Merseyside. Back in August 2019, Duncan’s agent at the time, Saif Rubie, blasted out several serious accusations on social media about the Reds’ then sporting director Michael Edwards, which Duncan supported by retweeting the claims.

Countering these accusations, Liverpool responded formally stating: “Liverpool Football Club is aware of and disappointed by the unattributed comments and unfounded allegations that have been made in the media regarding one of our players.

Duncan, who is Steven Gerrard’s cousin, helped Liverpool win the FA Youth Cup (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

“As the interests of the player in question are not best served by either inaccurate speculation, inflammatory statements or public discourse, we will be making no further comment. We will, however, continue our efforts to work privately with the player to find resolution in the best interests of all involved.”

In the saga’s aftermath, Duncan moved to Fiorentina but couldn’t make an impression in Serie A. He ultimately returned to England, joining Derby County in 2020, where he hoped to rejuvenate his career. Duncan eventually made his senior debut with Derby County, but it was a solitary appearance in a 2-0 FA Cup loss to Chorley. He then joined Spanish third-tier side Linense, where he played seven games between 2022 and 2023.

During his time with Linense, Duncan addressed the controversy surrounding his departure from Liverpool. His former agent, Rubie, claimed on talkSPORT that he had advised Duncan to stay with Liverpool in 2019 and not force a move.

However, Duncan disputed this, stating on X in September 2022: “You and I both know the truth. I didn’t have a decision nor say. Not once have I spoken upon [sic] this top[ic] in ‘4 years’ as it’s been my main priority to get my career back on track. But, yet you think you have the right to mention my name on a live radio show. The truth will be told by myself when the time is right. And lastly, just to clarify, there was no advising given as you point blank made your mind up, publicly. And by then the damage had been done.”

As of December 2024, Duncan is without a club, his Instagram account is private, and he seems to be avoiding the spotlight.