Liverpool have taken a significant step in bolstering their future defensive options by reaching an agreement in principle to sign highly-rated 17-year-old Austrian centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna.
The young defender, viewed as a major talent with strong potential, has already given his approval to join the Liverpool project.
Austria Vienna have accepted the proposal, paving the way for Ndukwe to make the move to Anfield next summer.
Liverpool agreed deal to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe
Liverpool have agreed a principle to sign 17-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna FC, as reported via an official release from the club’s website.
The agreement, initially reported earlier in January as set to take effect from July 2026 (a pre-contract for the summer window), has now progressed to a confirmed status with Liverpool’s official involvement.
?? Liverpool agree deal in principle to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna, club confirms. https://t.co/vYYXtOekn2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 26, 2026
Fans have reacted with a mix of excitement and jokes. Several supporters have joked on Twitter about Liverpool finally signing a centre-back after watching Manchester City poach Marc Guehi this month.
Liverpool signed a teenager centre-back in the summer with the acquisition of Italian Giovanni Leoni but his tragic ACL injury means he has not been able to make the most of his first year at the club.
Ndukwe will be 18 in March and will join the Liverpool U21 squad in the summer when he officially becomes a Red.