Having signed from Senegalese side Amitie FC, we take a closer look at Liverpool’s new 18-year-old defender, Mor Talla Ndiaye.
Mor Talla Ndiaye: A quick look
• Dream move: The 18-year-old Senegalese centre-back joins from Amitie FC for £1m, citing Sadio Mane as his inspiration.
• Scouting report: A “proactive” left-footed defender, Ndiaye impressed at the U17 World Cup with his composure and ability to read play.
• Academy path: He will initially join Rob Page’s U21s, a move that could see Amara Nallo leave on loan this month.
While the first team may not have been strengthened yet in January, Liverpool have been busy bolstering their academy ranks.
Having already recruited 19-year-old Liverpudlian defender Noah Adekoya from Burnley, Ndiaye is now the latest youngster to have joined the Reds, signing on the dotted line with his former club’s president, Demba Ba, watching over his shoulder.
On Instagram, Ndiaye wrote: “I am very happy to join Liverpool FC for my first experience abroad.
“It is a dream club, with a magnificent history and a rich record of success, shaped by great players, including Sadio Mane, who made me dream in this shirt.
“I would like to thank my former coaches, as well as the staff at Bou Sports and Amitie FC , my close circle, Bouna Diouf and Abdou Aziz, along with my president Demba Ba and my agents for their support. I cannot forget anyone.
“The work is only just beginning for all of us. Together, we will succeed by the grace of God!”
Who is Mor Talla Ndiaye?
Full Name
El Hadji Mor Talla Ndiaye
Age
18 (Jan 6, 2008)
Birthplace
Senegal
Position
Centre-back
Height
6’2″ (188cm)
Preferred Foot
Left
Style of Play
Composed, left-footed ball-playing defender
At just 18 years old, Ndiaye is far from the finished article, but he has been brought in for £1 million by Liverpool thanks to his potential as a young centre-back comfortable in possession.
The Senegalese youth international has been described as a defender who reads the play and steps up to win the ball back; a proactive player, if you like.
It is a trait important in centre-halves at Liverpool, with the Reds usually a team that plays on the front foot and needs their deepest-lying players to recycle possession quickly.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Friday, December 15, 2017: Liverpool's Under-18 manager Steven Gerrard watches with former player Steve McManaman and Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe during the Under-23 FA Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Liverpool and Swansea City at the Kirkby Academy. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
He has developed as a footballer at second-division Senegalese club, Amitie, where he impressed enough to be called up to the national team setup.
At the U17 World Cup in 2025, he played four times as the young Lions of Teranga reached the last 32 before being knocked out by Uganda.
Ndiaye will initially join Rob Page’s under-21s, with the influx of centre-backs meaning Amara Nallo could be loaned out this month, This Is Anfield understands.
The Athletic‘s James Pearce reported that Ndiaye was “pursued by a host of suitors from the Premier League and across Europe,” but he chose Liverpool due to “the pathway they presented and a package that includes add-ons to Amitie.”
While we likely won’t see him make a senior appearance for some time yet, he could be called upon for training if he impresses at youth level, with Arne Slot‘s squad short on centre-halves.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 13, 2021: Liverpool's (L-R) xxxx, non-executive director Kenny Dalglish, xxxx, and Head of Senior Academy Recruitment Matthew Newberry during the Premier League 2 Division 1 match between Liverpool FC Under-23's and West Ham United FC Under-23's at the Liverpool Academy. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Liverpool are also close to securing a deal for a third young centre-back, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who should join from Austria Vienna in the summer once he turns 18.
“Ndiaye and Ndukwe were identified by the work of Liverpool’s director of global talent Matt Newberry and his team,” Pearce added.
“Newberry was promoted to that new role just over a year ago having previously been the club’s head of senior academy recruitment and then head of loans and pathways.”