3D82X07 Doha, Qatar. 27th Nov, 2025. Tomas Soares (L) of Portugal vies with Ifeanyi Arthur Ndukwe of Austria during the final match between Portugal and Austria at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 27, 2025. Portugal won 1-0. Credit: Nikku/Xinhua/Alamy Live News
3D82X07 Doha, Qatar. 27th Nov, 2025. Tomas Soares (L) of Portugal vies with Ifeanyi Arthur Ndukwe of Austria during the final match between Portugal and Austria at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 in Doha, Qatar, Nov. 27, 2025. Portugal won 1-0. Credit: Nikku/Xinhua/Alamy Live News
Liverpool’s new defender, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, is expected to join the first team squad on their pre-season tour of the US ahead of a “likely” loan.
With the transfer having been agreed in January, Ndukwe officially arrived from Austria Vienna this summer for £2.6 million.
Just 18 years old, he has already been involved in Andoni Iraola‘s early sessions as Liverpool head coach and is to join a young senior squad on its trip to the US.
The Athletic reported that Ndukwe and teammate Mor Talla Ndiaye “are expected to be part of head coach Andoni Iraola’s squad when Liverpool fly to the US.”
Liverpool centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe completes his transfer from Austria Vienna. Credit: @as1sports (IG)
Liverpool centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe completes his transfer from Austria Vienna. Credit: @as1sports (IG)
Ndiaye is in a similar boat, having signed for the Reds in January from the Senegalese second-tier side, Amitie FC, for £1m.
He is three months older than Ndukwe so was able to join the club midway through the season, training mostly with the under-21s but making Arne Slot‘s bench on three occasions in May.
Despite their youth, they won’t just be making up the numbers in the US.
With Ibrahima Konate now a Real Madrid player and Virgil van Dijk a couple of weeks behind in his pre-season training, the pair could play together when Joe Gomez and Jeremy Jacquet aren’t on the pitch.
The Athletic previously reported that Ndukwe “is likely to spend next season out on loan,” and joining the first team’s pre-season will only serve to increase the number of clubs interested.
Of course, he could also stay on Merseyside if Iraola deems him ready to play a role in the squad.
Ndukwe made his first-team debut for Austria Vienna towards the end of last term, and he made the bench on 16 occasions, also playing regularly for their reserves in the third division.
Due to Giovanni Leoni not yet being fit, Liverpool only have three senior centre-backs on their books – that simply isn’t enough.
An incoming doesn’t appear imminent either, so the academy could be where Iraola finds his fifth-choice option for the campaign ahead.
In terms of the defenders closest to taking the step up, Ndukwe and Ndiaye are at the top of the list.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Mor Talla Ndiaye on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Mor Talla Ndiaye on the bench before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Amara Nallo played in the under-21s’ behind-closed-doors match against Vauxhall Motors on Saturday; it is believed that most, if not all, who played won’t be going to the US.
Meanwhiel, Wellity Lucky, who made his debut from the bench in Liverpool’s 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last season, is still injured.
Promising defender Carter Pinnington will also not be an option, because he has already left permanently for West Brom this summer.
Noah Adekoya was another centre-back signing in January. The Scouser arrived from Burnley for an undisclosed fee but isn’t considered close to the first team at the moment.
Manu Kone (France U21)
Manu Kone (France U21) (Image: Maurizio Borsari/AFLO/Alamy Live News)
Jones, Chiacago smoke collage
Jones, Chiacago smoke collage
Barcola, Konate collage
Barcola, Konate collage