The former Arsenal manager was across the Under-17 World Cup last year, where Liverpool identified two youth-team additions, both of whom signed for the club this month
11:21, 27 Jan 2026
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 10: Arsene Wenger, French former football manager and currently Chief of Global Football Development at FIFA, watches on during the first stage Group F match between Switzerland and Mexico at Aspire Zone Sports Complex on November 10, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Chris Ricco - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Arsene Wenger has given his verdict on Ifeanyi Ndukwe(Image: Getty Images)
Arsene Wenger has already given Liverpool’s new signing, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, his seal of approval.
The Reds confirmed the 18-year-old’s transfer from Austria Vienna on Monday, but he will not meet up with his new employers until the summer. Ndukwe will represent Rob Page’s Under-21s when he joins the club, although, like with any underage player, there is hope he can push into the first-team picture in the future.
Ndukwe first caught the attention of Liverpool staff at the Under-17 World Cup last year, when the defender played a starring role in Austria’s run to the final, where it was beaten 1-0 by Portugal.
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He impressed not just Liverpool scouts, but also Wenger, who now works for FIFA as its Chief of Global Football Development.
The former Arsenal boss was asked at the final which players had impressed him during the tournament and he namechecked Ndukwe among the star performers in Qatar.
“Overall, I would say this tournament has shown something of a trend of the modern game; that the build-up of a game has been transferred from midfield to defenders,” Wenger told Rising Ballers.
Liverpool has completed a deal to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna
Liverpool has completed a deal to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna(Image: Getty Images)
“In our data, we see more defenders appearing in the top-level performances because the build-up of a game has been pushed back to the goalkeepers and the defenders.”
Ndukwe is one of two defenders who signed for Liverpool this month, having first appeared on the club’s radar during the Under-17 World Cup.
Mor Talla Ndiaye also signed for the Reds this month to help boost the club’s defensive options at youth level. However, an injury discovered during the transfer process means he will not be available for the next few weeks.
Mor Talla Ndiaye has completed his move to Liverpool
Mor Talla Ndiaye joined Liverpool earlier this month(Image: Getty Images)
It comes as there is great uncertainty surrounding the Reds’ first-team options at the heart of defense.
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Ibrahima Konate could be set to leave this summer, while Joe Gomez may also look to call time on his 11-year stint at Anfield.
Giovanni Leoni is continuing his recuperation from a serious ACL injury and it’s unclear whether he will be available to start the new campaign, while Virgil van Dijk will enter the final year of his contract.
However, the arrivals of Ndukwe and Ndiaye are not linked to the first-team picture.