Liverpool are set to sign 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna. Here is everything you need to know about the 6’5″ young defender.
Ndukwe is due to finalise a move to Merseyside in the coming days, though he will not officially make the switch until the summer.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe: Liverpool Transfer Guide
The deal: Liverpool will pay an initial €3 million (£2.6m) to Austria Vienna for the 17-year-old, with the 6’5″ centre-back set to join Rob Page’s U21s in July.
The profile: A right-sided defender likened to Virgil van Dijk, Ndukwe is noted for his pace, 6’5″ frame, and front-footed style during Austria’s run to the U17 World Cup final.
The status: Ndukwe has already passed his medical, with the Reds securing a player described by FIFA experts as an “outstanding defensive leader.”
So what do we need to know about Liverpool’s first signing of 2026?
Who is Ifeanyi Ndukwe?
Name: Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Age: 17 (born: March 3, 2008)
Birthplace: Vienna, Austria
Nationality: Austrian, Nigerian, Russian
Club: Austria Vienna (U21s)
Position: Centre-back
Height: 6’5″ (198cm)
Shirt number: 66
Market value: €1m
Ifeanyi Ndukwe is a 17-year-old centre-back currently plying his trade for Austria Vienna U21s, awaiting his first-team debut while making the bench nine times already.
Born to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, Ndukwe is a regular for Austria U17s, including starting seven of their eight games as they reached the final of the U17 World Cup in November – only losing once, to Portugal in the final.
What transfer fee are Liverpool paying for Ifeanyi Ndukwe?
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, October 4, 2025: Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes before the FA Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool will pay an initial fee of around €3 million (£2.6m) for Ifeanyi Ndukwe, according to Austrian outlet Laola1, which could rise further with various add-ons.
Austria Vienna are also expected to retain a sell-on clause, having already negotiated their fourth-most expensive sale of all time.
Ndukwe is reported to have already passed his medical with only the final details of his move to be completed.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe playing style and comparisons
LONDON, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 20, 2025: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk during the pre-match warm-up before the FA Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Liverpool FC at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Ifeanyi Ndukwe is a right-sided centre-back who is remarkably tall for his age at 6’5″ but still possesses considerable pace which aids him in the recovery.
From exploring his highlights while playing for Austria’s youth teams, Ndukwe appears to be a front-footed defender who prefers to snuff out attacks before they develop.
He also possesses a strong passing range, including pinpoint long balls with his natural right foot, which has drawn comparisons to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Academy Prospect Age Height
Ifeanyi Ndukwe 17 6’5″
Wellity Lucky 19 6’2″
Amara Nallo 19 6’4″
What have coaches said about Ifeanyi Ndukwe?
3D82X07 Doha, Qatar. 27th Nov, 2025. Tomas Soares (L) of Portugal vies with Ifeanyi Arthur Ndukwe of Austria during the final match between Portugal and Austria at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 27, 2025. Portugal won 1-0. Credit: Nikku/Xinhua/Alamy Live News
Austria U17 coach Hermann Stadley on Ifeanyi Ndukwe (90 Minuten):
“He has made the biggest leap of all, was promoted from the U18s to the [Austria Vienna U21s], and plays every game there unless he’s in the professional squad.
“He stands out because of his height and hairstyle. He’s very, very advanced for his age.”
FIFA technical panel expert Pascal Zuberbuhler on Ifeanyi Ndukwe (APA):
“There’s the defensive leader, who is outstanding.”
Austria Vienna U21s manager Max Uhlig on Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Laola1):
“It’s remarkable how clear-headed he already is.
“A lot has happened to him in the last year, it’s all gone very quickly. But I don’t get the feeling that it’s weighing on him or that he thinks he’s some kind of super-great guy.
“He’s always the same, very down-to-earth.”
What are Liverpool’s plans for Ifeanyi Ndukwe?
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Liverpool's Under-19's head coach Robert Page during the UEFA Youth League match between Liverpool FC Under-19's and PSV Eindhoven Under-19's at the Liverpool Academy. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Speaking to Laola1 in October, Ifeanyi Ndukwe named Liverpool as his dream destination when picturing himself in five years’ time.
The move will come much sooner than that, though Ndukwe will first begin life as part of Rob Page’s U21s squad, joining them for pre-season at the AXA Training Centre in July.
There will, however, be a clear pathway for him to Arne Slot‘s first team, with there high hopes for Ndukwe among the Liverpool staff and recruitment team.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe Transfer FAQ
When is Ifeanyi Ndukwe joining Liverpool?
Ifeanyi Ndukwe is set to officially join Liverpool in July 2026. While the deal is being finalised now and the player has passed a medical, FIFA regulations prevent the 17-year-old from moving from Austria until the summer pre-season.
How much is the Ifeanyi Ndukwe transfer fee?
Liverpool are paying an initial fee of approximately €3 million (£2.6m) for the centre-back. Austria Vienna have also negotiated a sell-on clause and various performance-related add-ons for the teenager.
What is Ifeanyi Ndukwe’s playing style?
Standing at 6’5″, Ndukwe is a tall, right-sided defender noted for his recovery pace and strong passing range. Coaches describe him as a “clear-headed” leader with the ability to launch attacks with pinpoint long balls.