Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool started the new year with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Leeds at Anfield. The result keeps Arne Slot’s side fourth in the Premier League, 12 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Despite spending nearly £450million in the summer, the Reds have struggled to find a winning formula. Injuries to Alexander Isak and young centre-back Giovanni Leoni leave gaps that may force Slot to consider the January transfer window.
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who nearly joined Liverpool last summer, could return to the Reds’ radar, while Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez has also been linked in a £43 million deal. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah’s future remains uncertain after a reported fallout with Slot before AFCON.
Austria Vienna centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been linked with a move to Anfield. The 17-year-old was part of the Austria team who reached the Under-17 World Cup final in Qatar last November, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Portugal.
The Vienna-born defender has progressed rapidly through the youth ranks at his boyhood club. After captaining Austria Vienna’s Under-16s, Ndukwe featured regularly for the club’s reserve team during the 2024-25 season. He signed a three-year professional contract last June and has been named on the bench for the first team this season, although he is yet to make his Austrian Bundesliga debut.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign the promising centre-back. He posted on his Instagram: “Liverpool agree deal to sign 17 year old Austrian CB Ifeanyi Ndukwe. Agreement now in place for talented defender to leave Austria Wien and join Liverpool — from summer 2026. Seen as talented centre back, Ndukwe accepted the proposal from Liverpool from season 2026/2027.”
With Konate’s contract expiring and Van Dijk now 34, Liverpool are prioritising defensive reinforcements. Ndukwe is expected to join Rob Page’s under-21 development squad but is seen as having the potential to step up to the senior team. He was identified by Liverpool’s director of global talent, Matt Newberry, who took on the role a year ago after previously leading academy recruitment and the club’s loans and pathways program.
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