Liverpool
Liverpool Arne Slot Richard Hughes Transfer Update
Liverpool are reportedly preparing a move for 15-year-old Celtic defender Dara Jikiemi. The club’s scouts have been tracking him closely, and Celtic expect a formal approach next summer.
Liverpool’s academy rebuild may be heading into its next chapter — and a young Celtic defender is now at the center of it.
The Reds have already brought in several promising names in recent years, but sources in Scotland suggest they are ready to make another bold move.
There is growing talk around a 15-year-old who has caught the eye with calm defending beyond his age. So why is Liverpool accelerating their push? And how might Celtic respond?
This story has moved quickly, and the situation brings both opportunity and complexity. For a teenage talent, the timing could be huge. For Liverpool, it could be another step toward shaping the next generation at Kirkby.
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Who Is Dara Jikiemi and Why Are Liverpool Interested?
Dara Jikiemi is seen as one of Celtic’s brightest prospects. The young center-back captains Scotland’s U15s and has reportedly impressed Liverpool scouts several times this season.
He can play at center-back or step into midfield, giving him the type of versatility Liverpool value in their youth system.
Reports (via Daily Record) claim academy leaders at Anfield are “pushing” to secure a deal next summer. The club apparently views him as a long-term project — the kind of defender who could grow into a first-team pathway, much like recent youth arrivals.
Is Another Premier League Club in the Race?
Nottingham Forest are also monitoring Jikiemi. They have been watching him since at least April, apparently seeing him as a future defensive option.
Their involvement adds pressure on Liverpool to move early, especially with Jikiemi’s international progress making headlines.
Why Is This Transfer Complicated?
Because of his age, Jikiemi cannot sign a professional contract in England until he turns 17. That means Liverpool could only offer him a scholarship next year. Celtic, meanwhile, can give him professional terms at the end of this season.
That creates a familiar tension for Celtic. If he leaves before signing professional terms in Scotland, they would only receive training compensation rather than a meaningful fee. This scenario has played out before for the club — from Ben Doak to Rocco Vata and others.
The pattern has not gone unnoticed at Parkhead, and Jikiemi’s situation adds another delicate case to the list.
Could Andy Robertson Move the Other Way?
There has been separate talk about Andy Robertson. Reports claim Celtic are watching his contract situation at Liverpool closely. Robertson is a boyhood Celtic fan and will be a free agent next July.
Although he has said he is relaxed — “I’m relaxed about it” — the lack of progress in talks has sparked speculation. For now, nothing is confirmed, but the timing of both stories has raised eyebrows.
What Anfield Home thinks?
Liverpool’s growing focus on elite youth prospects is no surprise. The club wants long-term depth, especially in defense. If Jikiemi is as composed and athletic as reported, the interest makes sense.
The challenge will be navigating the rules — and the competition — to bring him to Kirkby. Still, this feels like a move with future value, not immediate pressure. Another young defender with high upside is always welcome.