Liverpool have made their first signing of the January window, bringing in teenage defender Noah Adekoya from Burnley. The youngster joined the Clarets at the age of 12 and progressed through the ranks to earn a professional contract at Turf Moor. He has raised eyebrows with his commanding displays at youth level, captaining the under-18s as they won the Professional Development League North last season.
Adekoya signed his first professional contract with Burnley last year, running until the summer of 2026. He is now preparing to embark on the next stage of his career at Liverpool, having swapped Turf Moor for the glamour of Anfield. He took to Instagram to confirm the news, posting a picture of himself signing with the Reds alongside the caption: "God's plan."
The young defender never made a first-team appearance for Burnley and is expected to join up with Liverpool's under-21 side. It remains to be seen if he will be included in the senior squad when they embark on their pre-season tour in the summer.
Adekoya is not the only defensive player Liverpool have been eyeing this month. They are also believed to be advancing in talks over a move for Senegalese teenager Mor Ndiaye.
According to The Mirror, the Reds are in discussions to land the 18-year-old from Senegalese second-tier side Amitie FC, which is owned by former Newcastle United and Chelsea striker Demba Ba.
Ndiaye impressed at the Under-17s World Cup in November, starting all four of Senegal's matches before they were knocked out by Uganda in the round of 32.
Should the deal go through, he would bolster the under-21 side and help to fill the void left by Wellity Lucky's regular involvement with the first team.
Meanwhile, a third young centre-back is reportedly close to joining Liverpool with Austria Vienna defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe thought to have agreed terms with the Reds.
He will complete his move to Anfield in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, and is seen as a 'huge talent' by the Reds hierarchy.
Ndukwe, who will celebrate his 18th birthday in March, has turned plenty of heads with his impressive displays at club and international level. He has already represented Austria, playing for their under-17 side at the recent World Cup.
The youngster has given the green light to his Liverpool switch and is expected to start in the under-21s, with a view to playing for the senior team in the future.
The reigning Premier League champions have made it a priority to reinforce at the back this month, with Giovanni Leoni nursing a long-term injury and Ibrahima Konate approaching the end of his contract.