Liverpool seem to be stepping up their transfer business as we reach the halfway point of the January window, and have fended off Inter Milan in the race for a highly-regarded young talent.
While most eyes will be pointed towards the potential first-team additions that could be made this month, the Reds are arranging for the future in the background.
Mor Talla Ndiaye’s signing for Liverpool was confirmed last week, and another young centre-back was said to be joining him in making the switch to Anfield.
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That second deal was less straightforward, with other interested parties looking to spoil Liverpool’s plans.
Ifeanyi Ndukwe celebrates after scoring for Austria against England during the U17 FIFA World Cup.
Photo by Jurij Kodrun – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Liverpool fended off Inter Milan in pursuit of Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Ndiaye and Ifeanyi Ndukwe have been inextricably linked as the two elite centre-back prospects Liverpool wished to add to their ranks this month.
Liverpool reached an agreement with Ndukwe for next summer, but new reports suggest Inter were also keen on luring him to the San Siro before he eventually decided on a Merseyside move.
According to Liverpool Echo: “It’s understood Liverpool fended off interest from Serie A giants Inter to land the centre-back in a deal that will be worth around £2.5m.”
How excited are you by Liverpool’s move for Ifeanyi Ndukwe? 😃
The 17-year-old is a HUGE prospect
Austria's Ifeanyi Ndukwe celebrates after scoring during the FIFA U17 World Cup match against England (Credit: Getty Images/Jurij Kodrun - FIFA).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jurij Kodrun/FIFA
DOB: 03/03/2008
Position: Centre-Back
Favoured foot: Right/both
Height: 1.98m
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That another European giant wanted Ndukwe is a testament to his potential.
With few other transfer plans — so far, anyway — it would have been disappointing to miss out on one of their only real targets. Luckily, Ndukwe chose Liverpool and will join up with the Under-21s next season.
Along with Ndiaye, Liverpool believe they have signed two superstars who will shore up the future of Arne Slot’s defence.
Liverpool surely aren’t done in the transfer market
We know there’s more work to do on the outgoings front this month.
Juventus are going after Federico Chiesa with intent, hoping to bring him back to Turin before the window shuts.
Juventus expected to make Chiesa approach ⌛
A cult hero at Anfield, but is a move away for the best?
Federico Chiesa rumour Liverpool to Juventus
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
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But the Reds must have more planned in terms of signings. Looking around the Premier League, top teams are strengthening for a push to May, while FSG look to be sitting on their hands.
Liverpool need experienced centre-backs who can come into the side now, not ones who will be slowly phased in over the coming years.
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