Liverpool supporters have been waiting what feels like an age for their club to reinforce their options at centre-back.
Having missed out on Marc Guehi at the last moment during the summer, Arne Slot has been made to pay for a lack of cover in central defence this season.
As soon as January rolled around, Liverpool fans had expected that the Reds would be straight in and attacking the market to add a new centre-back.
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Marc Guehi pictured at the Emirates Stadium ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal
Credit: Molly Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images
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When they were dreaming up their ideal January wishlists, however, 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye was not exactly who supporters had envisaged. But after his arrival from Senegalese club Amitie FC was made official on Friday, that is what Liverpool fans have got.
Ndiaye is initially being reported to be set for Rob Page’s U21 squad, but while that may be the case, it is clear that the teenager is very much being seen as a first-team arrival.
Liverpool have high hopes for Mor Talla Ndiaye
When Liverpool make signings for their underage sides, it is rare that there is a transfer announcement accompanying the capture.
It does happen occasionally; young striker Will Wright was granted a first interview with LFCTV when he joined from Salford in the summer, for example, but often the new arrivals are not seen until they rock up for matches with the U18s or U21s.
Talla Ndiaye of Senegal is challenged by Tino Kusanovic of Croatia during the FIFA Under-17 World Cup match between Senegal and Croatia at Aspire Academy
Photo by Jurij Kodrun – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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That will not be the case for Ndiaye, who was presented as a new signing on the home page of Liverpool’s website. The youngster was also announced on the club’s X and Instagram pages.
Although Liverpool made sure to clarify that Ndiaye is indeed a signing for the U21s, he also appears to have been handed a number already.
Standing proudly next to former Chelsea striker – and owner of his now former club Amitie FC – Demba Ba, Ndiaye could be seen wearing a No. 50 Liverpool training top. A high number, yes, but the Reds do not give those out to every young player at the club.
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Marc Guehi pictured smiling during Crystal Palace training (Credit: Getty Images/Warren Little). Ibrahima Konate lines up ahead of Liverpool's Premier League match against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Visionhaus). Giovanni Leoni trains during a session with Liverpool (Credit: Getty Images/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC). Nico Schlotterbeck gestures to the crowd during Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig at Signal Iduna Park (Credit: Getty Images/Max Ellerbrake - firo sportphoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Image/Warren Little/Visionhaus/Nick Taylor/Liverpool FC/Max Ellerbrake- Firo sportphoto
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When will Ndiaye step up to the first-team?
With Liverpool decidedly short at centre-back this season, there is certainly an opening in the first-team for Ndiaye.
Monday’s FA Cup clash with Barnsley, for example, represents a very difficult decision for Arne Slot on who to play.
Joe Gomez will almost certainly feature, but aside from Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate – who are highly unlikely to play – Liverpool do not have anyone else. Wataru Endo would have been the most likely to fill in, but the Japanese is also currently injured.
Wellity Lucky is potentially in line for his first Liverpool start, but if international clearance arrives in time then perhaps Ndiaye could be thrown straight in.
Failing that, if he catches the eye for the U21s, then there is no reason he cannot challenge for a position in the second half of the season. His ascension to the first-team is clearly something Liverpool feel is inevitable, so why not get it done straight away?
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