Liverpool could allow young defender Amara Nallo to leave on loan in January as they near the signing of Senegalese centre-back Talla Ndiaye from Amite FC.
LFC Transfer Update: Ndiaye In, Nallo Loan?
The signing: Liverpool are finalising a deal for 18-year-old Senegal defender Talla Ndiaye, who is now eligible for an immediate move after turning 18 on Tuesday.
The loan: U21s captain Amara Nallo is expected to be made available for a January loan to gain first-team experience following Ndiaye’s arrival.
First-team path: While Nallo heads out, Wellity Lucky is set to stay and could make his full senior debut against Barnsley (Jan 12) in the FA Cup.
Nallo has not played for Liverpool’s first team since his unfortunate red card against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup in October, and may now move on loan this month.
This Is Anfield understands that Nallo is available for a mid-season loan whereas Wellity Lucky is viewed as unlikely to leave due to his first-team involvement.
This comes with Lucky moving ahead of him in Arne Slot‘s plans and the Premier League champions close to finalising a deal for 18-year-old Ndiaye.
It remains to be seen which clubs will be interested in a deal for Nallo, who turned 19 in November and has served as captain of the U21s this season.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Liverpool's Amara Nallo reacting to his straight red card during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
But Liverpool’s No. 65 is likely to attract interest from the Championship while the club could consider offers from abroad.
Nallo holds the unfortunate distinction of being the only Liverpool player in history to be sent off in consecutive appearances, with both of his outings at senior level resulting in red cards.
Lucky has made the first-team bench for each of the last five games following injuries to Giovanni Leoni, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo, and he could make his full debut against Barnsley on January 12.
He will likely do so as partner to Gomez, whose return to fitness has almost certainly ended Nallo’s hopes of a role in the side in next week’s FA Cup tie.
Talla Ndiaye to Liverpool: Why Senegal defender can sign immediately this January
Liverpool are hoping of tying up the signing of Ndiaye in the coming days, with the Senegal U18 international now eligible to make the immediate switch having turned 18 on Tuesday.
Ndiaye will join up with Rob Page’s U21s and effectively take Nallo’s place if he departs as anticipated, playing regularly alongside the likes of Lucky and Carter Pinnington.
There have long been plans in the works for Nallo to gain experience on loan and This Is Anfield understands the intention was to commit him to a new long-term contract in the process.
Prospect Profile: Talla Ndiaye
Full Name El Hadji Mor Talla Ndiaye
Date of Birth January 6, 2008 (Age 18)
Position Centre-Back (Left-footed)
Current Club Amitié FC (Senegal)
International Senegal U18 (Played at 2025’s U17 World Cup)
Liverpool already agreed a three-year deal with Lucky in July and while there had been consideration over a loan from the player’s side his progress has earned him a place around the first team on a consistent basis.
The club are also set to land the signing of Austrian centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe this month, though a projected €3 million (£2.6m) transfer would see him arrive from Austria Vienna in the summer.