Former Liverpool forward reveals why he chose to leave the club

Norwegian football may lack the global glare of the Premier League, but it provides something equally valuable for emerging players. Consistency. Structure. Responsibility.

Molde’s environment allows Kone-Doherty to sharpen the fundamentals that often separate prospects from professionals. His adaptation has been steady rather than spectacular, but that aligns with the broader objective. Development, not instant impact, is the priority.

In many ways, this mirrors the journeys of countless players who have stepped away from elite academies only to return stronger, more complete and better equipped for the demands of top-level football.

Kone-Doherty explains Liverpool departure

Kone-Doherty himself has spoken candidly about the decision, offering insight that cuts through the usual clichés surrounding transfers.

“I was ready to start playing senior football, but at that moment I wasn’t getting that at Liverpool. For me, it was about going somewhere where I could get some experience in senior football. I felt like it was the next step for me. Once you get a taste for the first team, it makes you eager for more.

It wasn’t an easy decision. My whole life was in Liverpool. I had three years there, but I think it was best for my career. I had to make the decision in the end. You just have to be brave sometimes and take control of your career.

It can be tough to break through, especially when you’re at those top clubs. It takes a lot of patience. Sometimes, you just need to make a decision.”

Those words reflect a maturity that belies his age. There is no bitterness, no sense of rejection. Instead, there is clarity. He understood the landscape and acted accordingly.

Future pathway remains open

What makes this move particularly intriguing is that it does not close doors. If anything, it creates new ones. Liverpool’s buy-back clause ensures that strong performances at Molde could reignite that connection.

Equally, the broader European market will be watching. Young forwards who prove themselves in structured leagues often attract attention from clubs seeking technical versatility and tactical discipline.

Kone-Doherty’s ambitions extend beyond club football. Breaking into the Republic of Ireland senior side remains a tangible goal, and regular minutes at Molde provide the platform required to make that leap.

For now, the narrative is not about what Liverpool lost, but about what Kone-Doherty stands to gain. In stepping away from the shadow of a global giant, he has moved closer to the light of his own career.

That, ultimately, is the essence of his decision. Not a retreat, but a recalibration.