Austria U18 manager Hermann Stadler has talked about Ifeanyi Ndukwe moving to Liverpool and it being something of a gamble.
Monday’s edition of Kronen Zeitung has an interview with Stadler. During the course of the discussion, he shared his take on 17-year-old joining Arne Slot’s side.
The Austrian media have already covered Liverpool’s interest in the Austria Vienna player.
Earlier this month, Kurier reported the Reds, Inter Milan and other clubs have shown serious interest in him. They also stated the centre-back has chosen the Premier League side and his move to Anfield will also benefit his current club.
Austria Vienna can immediately retain the player and will receive around €7m from the Merseyside club.
Ndukwe was a key part of the Austria squad that lost the U17 World Cup final to Portugal in November. He started in every fixture in Qatar for Stadler, except the semi-final as the youngster was serving a one-match suspension. His displays helped convince Liverpool to bet on him.
Kronen Zeitung report the young defender will leave Austria Vienna for Liverpool in the summer. They add the deal will see his club collect up to €4.2m, which is €2.8m less than what was reported by Kurier at the start of this month.
Transfer to Liverpool may be too soon
Austria U18 manager concerned Liverpool transfer may be too soon
Austria U18 manager concerned Liverpool transfer may be too soon
Stadler is in contention to win Kronen Zeitung’s Coach of the Year award. He’s competing with Austria manager Ralf Rangnick, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and LASK’s Didi Kühbauer.
The newspaper talks about Austria U17’s performances at the last World Cup. He shared mixed feelings over Ndukwe’s move to Liverpool.
“He’s developed superbly and will go far. I would have liked to see him play in Austria for another year. In two or three years, we’ll see if it was the right move,” he said.
Ndukwe will turn 18 years of age in March. He won’t be able to arrive in the UK until then due to Brexit regulations. Therefore, Liverpool won’t be able to bring him to Anfield in the winter market.