Liverpool have already moved to strengthen the back line for the long term this January with two exciting teenage centre-backs – although a third defensive target now looks set to head for Stamford Bridge instead.
The Reds wrapped up a deal for Senegalese defender Mor Talla Ndiaye from Amitié FC for around £1 million earlier in the month. The 18-year-old left-sided centre-back caught the eye of Liverpool’s recruitment staff with his displays at the U17 World Cup in Qatar, where Senegal progressed to the round of 32. Ndiaye will initially link up with Rob Page’s U21 group but is regarded as a long-term option who can eventually compete with the senior centre-backs.
Seventeen-year-old Austrian centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe has also agreed a move from Austria Wien for a reported £2.5 million, although post-Brexit rules mean he cannot officially complete the switch until pre-season in July, when he turns 18.
Now Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Cheslea have agreed a deal for reported Liverpool defensive target Yisa Alao. It was reported that Liverpool put in an offer for the Sheffield Wednesday full-back. However, Wednesday had an insistence on securing Alao’s signature on professional terms first – presumably to help secure the best possible fee for the club as they navigate administration.
Now it seems that Chelsea have made use of the chaos, with the Italian transfer guru reporting on X:
“Chelsea agree deal to sign talented 17-year-old fullback Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday, here we go! Initial fee over £500k plus heavy add-ons. Chelsea beat 3 more PL top clubs to the signing.”
Whilst the loss of Alao stings, Liverpool can take solace in their proactive recruitment strategy this January. The arrivals of Ndiaye and Ndukwe provide future-proofing at centre-back, meaning the Reds are far from left in the lurch by Chelsea’s late intervention.
🚨🔵 Chelsea agree deal to sign talented 17 year old fullback Yisa Alao from Sheffield Wednesday, here we go!
Initial fee over £500k plus heavy add-ons.
Chelsea beat 3 more PL top clubs to the signing. pic.twitter.com/jqIZNZS2DB
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 22, 2026
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