Liverpool are in talks to sign 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna, with reliable reports detailing their plans for the 6’5″ youngster.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe: Liverpool transfer news
Transfer talks: Liverpool are in talks with Austria Vienna over a deal for 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe.
When Ndukwe would join: Due to post-Brexit rules, Liverpool would be unable to sign Ndukwe until he turns 18 in March – meaning a summer transfer.
Plans for Ndukwe: Though the first-team pathway will be open to him, the 6’5″ defender would initially join Rob Page’s U21s.
Ndukwe is yet to debut for Austria Vienna’s first team but is highly regarded both at his current club and among suitors including Liverpool.
According to The Athletic‘s James Pearce, the Premier League champions are now in talks for a deal that would see the teenager move to Merseyside in the summer.
That comes with clubs in the English top flight prohibited from signing players under the age of 18 from overseas and Ndukwe not celebrating his birthday until March.
If a transfer is agreed, the tall, imposing centre-back will join Rob Page’s U21s in time for the start of pre-season in July.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Sunday, September 21, 2025: Liverpool's Under-21's head coach Robert Page and assistant Jay Spearing (R) during the Premier League 2 match between Liverpool FC Under-21's and Manchester United FC Under-21's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
However while he would initially join Liverpool’s academy there would be a pathway for him to progress into the senior setup – which he already has achieved at Austria Vienna having made the first-team bench on nine occasions.
The Reds are also expected to sign 15-year-old centre-back Dara Jikiemi from Celtic, though the Scotland youth international would almost certainly join a younger age group.
Liverpool are short of options at the heart of defence, including in their academy, with Wellity Lucky, Amara Nallo and Carter Pinnington the regulars in Page’s squad this season.
Lucky has been required to fill out the first-team squad in recent months and could make his first start in rotated side for the FA Cup third-round tie against Barnsley on January 12.
Liverpool’s centre-back plans and Joel Ordonez update
3D3HGJK Bruges, Belgium. 05th Nov, 2025. Joel Ordonez of Club Brugge during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Club Brugge KV and FC Barcelona at Jan Breydelstadion in Bruges, Belgium on November 5, 2025 (Photo by Andrew SURMA/ Credit: Sipa US/Alamy Live News
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are the only fit, established senior centre-backs at present with Giovanni Leoni and Joe Gomez both sidelined.
Gomez is however nearing a return from a hamstring injury and could make the squad for Sunday’s trip to Fulham in the Premier League.
This Is Anfield understands that there is zero truth in claims Liverpool are nearing a £35 million deal for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, despite widespread reports in his native Ecuador.
While there is known interest in the 21-year-old that has not extended to a move this January, with Leoni – currently out for the season after tearing his ACL – already viewed as the next in line.
The Big Debate
What is Liverpool’s biggest priority in the January transfer window?
Centre-back or another attacker? With the window now open Liverpool will be busy assessing their options.
Join the conversation: Let us know your pick in the comments below!