Image Credits: Imago Images
The January transfer window is now well underway, with plenty of transfer links involving Liverpool in this first week alone.
First, The Reds have appears to have secured a significant coup for the future. Reports from Fabrizio Romano have given the “Here we go” treatment to the signing of Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna.
The 17-year-old centre-back is widely regarded as one of the most promising defensive talents in Europe. Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, Ndukwe dominates aerially and impressed heavily during the U17 World Cup. Liverpool reportedly beat off competition from Inter Milan and several Bundesliga clubs to secure his signature. Due to age and post-Brexit regulations, the deal is set for the summer of 2026, meaning he won’t arrive at Anfield immediately, but the agreement is in place for him to join the Reds’ academy setup next season.
While one defensive deal is done, another has been firmly shut down. The rampant speculation over the New Year weekend suggesting Liverpool had agreed a £43m deal for Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez has been debunked.
Despite reports from Ecuador claiming a move was imminent, reliable sources, including Romano, have clarified that these links were premature. Liverpool are indeed scouting the 21-year-old, but there is no agreement, and talks have not advanced to a “done deal” stage.
However, in confirmed news from the club, Liverpool have officially recalled Owen Beck from his loan spell at Derby County after he picked up a serious hamstring injury at the end of November. The 23-year-old’s injury required surgery, with Rams boss John Eustace confirming the blow last year.
A statement from the Anfield club read:
“Owen Beck has returned to Liverpool from his loan at Derby County. The defender completed a temporary switch to the Championship side last July after signing a new long-term contract with the Reds.”
“However, injury meant the 23-year-old was unable to make a competitive appearance for Derby, and he will now conduct his rehabilitation at the AXA Training Centre. Beck, a product of Liverpool’s Academy set-up, has appeared three times for the club’s senior team to date, having debuted in October 2021.”
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