Image Credits: Imago Images
While Liverpool’s senior squad has remained untouched this January, the club has quietly reinforced its academy ranks with two highly-rated defensive prospects – raising eyebrows among supporters who feel the first team desperately needs reinforcements. Senegalese centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18, arrived from Amitié FC for around £1 million after impressing at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, joining Rob Page’s U21 setup immediately.
Austrian defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 17, has also agreed a deal worth a reported £2.5 million from Austria Wien, though post-Brexit regulations mean he won’t officially join until pre-season in July when he turns 18
Many fans argue Arne Slot’s side needs proven quality now—not promising teenagers for the future. The lack of senior activity has only intensified frustration as rivals like Manchester City snap up Marc Guehi in front of the Anfield club.
However, while reliable reports have come out asserting that Ifeanyi Ndukwe will join the club, Austria Wien u18 manager Hermann Stadler has now come out to confirm the transfer:
“I’m extremely happy for Ify, he deserves it because he has made enormous progress in the last year,” he said to Austrian outlet Krone.
“He received this offer from Liverpool partly because of the World Cup. He had also previously received an offer from Inter Milan, which, for whatever reason, was not finalised. I’m very happy that he’s signed with a top club,”
“Personally, I think it might have been good for him to stay at Austria for another year. He could learn alongside an experienced player like (Aleksandar) Dragovic and perhaps then go abroad at 18 or 19. He has no guarantee that he’ll make it big, neither at Austria nor at Liverpool. “We’ll know more in two or three years. But I believe he has the potential to become a truly great centre-back.”
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