Liverpool has been looking for a defender for a long time, and it seems like they have finally got it. Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot and the club’s management have their eyes set on a young defender. They think that he can replace Virgil Van Dijk. After their back-to-back draws against the Leeds and Fulham, they now sit in the 4th place in the league. Arne Slot has already informed the management about the need for a proper center back. It is exciting to see how Liverpool’s management fulfills the demand of the Dutch coach Arne Slot. With the rumors of Konate leaving Liverpool for Real Madrid at the end of the season, it’s high time for the club to sign the player.
Liverpool have been told they will sign a centre-back who has the potential to become a top-class defender. The Reds have been in talks over recruiting Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Wien. Reports from the country suggest that Liverpool has agreed to a fee worth several million euros for the 17-year-old. However, he cannot make the move to Anfield until the summer rather than this month’s transfer window. Post-Brexit rules permit any player under the age of 18 making a transfer, with Ndukwe’s birthday not until March. While the defender is yet to make his debut for Wien, Italian giants Inter Milan showed interest in him. Liverpool may well have ramped up their interest after watching Ndukwe’s performances at the Under-17 World Cup. He was part of Austria’s team that reached the final before Portugal beat them 1-0 in the showpiece clash. Ndukwe will report for Liverpool pre-season with the under-21s. Although there will be hopes that he can develop into a first-team player in the future. According to the account Rising StarsXI on X, the 6 ft 5 in teenager’s reading of the game is ‘advanced’ for his age, and he has plenty more qualities.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe is one of the most exciting young talents in Austria.
The 17-year-old Austria Wien academy graduate has been one of the standout defenders at the 2025 U-17 World Cup. 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/I6yWq1ZNsm
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) January 2, 2026
Why the defender is important for Liverpool
The prospective signing of Ndukwe explains that Liverpool are still keen to sign top young talents who can be nurtured into the first team or potentially be sold for profit in the future. From the current squad, the club brought in Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea and Conor Bradley from Dungannon Swifts at the age of 16. During the summer, Liverpool sold Ben Doak and Caoimhin Kelleher to AFC Bournemouth and Brentford respectively for a combined fee of £43 million, while Bobby Clark left the previous year for Red Bull Salzburg for £10 million. Meanwhile, Liverpool sold Sepp van den Berg to Brentford for £20 million in August 2024 after he spent six years on the club’s books but made just four appearances. Liverpool brought Van den Berg in from Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The signing would be very essential for the club, as the coach, Arne Slot, himself stated that the player would be perfect for the club’s profile. The coach believes that he has the potential to replace Liverpool’s captain and club legend Virgil Van Dijk.
🚨| @LusbyJack: Liverpool are close to signing centre-backs Talla Ndiaye (18) and Ifeanyi Ndukwe (17).
Ndiaye will join this month, while Ndukwe will stay at Austria Wien until the summer. Both will be for the U21s. pic.twitter.com/stgJrLRxI7
— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) January 6, 2026
Fan’s reaction
The Liverpool fans are excited to hear about their club’s potential transfer move. The fans believe that it is the best time for the Reds to sign the defender. They know how much their club have been struggling at their backline for quite some time now. Fans are eager to see how the defender adapts at the Anfield. Social media is full of the player’s highlights and debates about whether he will perfectly suit the squad. Overall, the fans can’t wait for his arrival.
Author’s insight
From the author’s point of view, the club must react as soon as possible. Because other clubs are on their way for Liverpool’s target.
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