Ifeanyi Ndukwe will leave Liverpool on loan this summer after failing to qualify for a work permit
Ifeanyi Ndukwe #83 of Liverpool FC during the game against Wrexham AFC on July 29, 2026 at Yankee Stadium
Ifeanyi Ndukwe #83 of Liverpool FC during the game against Wrexham AFC on July 29, 2026 at Yankee Stadium(Image: ©Icon Sportswire All Rights Reserved)
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Ifeanyi Ndukwe will leave Liverpool on loan this summer after the Reds were forced to change their plans for the young centre-back. The 18-year-old has impressed during pre-season after joining the club in an initial £2.6m move from Austria Wien.
The teenager was an early substitute for Joe Gomez in Liverpool’s friendly against Sunderland as they opened their tour of the United States with a 4-2 win. He then completed the full 90 minutes in the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Wrexham.
Liverpool had initially planned for Ndukwe to stay put on Merseyside for at least the first half of the season following his switch from his homeland.
However, his agent, Georg Lederer, has confirmed that that plan has now had to be changed due to the defender failing to qualify for a visa.
“The fact is that in the 2025/26 Premier League season, clubs had two exception spots where they didn't have to reach this points target,” he explained to ORF, as quoted by Sky Sports Austria. “In the new season, this extra rule will be reduced by one spot.
“A loan club will now be found where Ifeanyi can gain playing experience at a very high level.”
While Ndukwe is unable to play in England, his agency, More than Sport by AS1, revealed to Sky Sports Austria that several sides have already registered their interest in signing the defender on loan.
“Despite this change, we see the situation as a great opportunity for Ifeanyi,” they said. “Several top international clubs have already expressed concrete interest in a loan.
“Regardless of which path he chooses, he will have the opportunity to gain regular playing time at the highest level – a prospect that would not have been guaranteed to the same extent in his first few months at Liverpool.
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“The original plan with Liverpool was to evaluate after the first six months whether Ifeanyi was getting enough playing time in the Premier League.
“Only then would a decision be made about a possible loan. It was always clearly defined that his development should take place at the professional level and not through appearances for the U21 team.
“Liverpool has clearly communicated to us that they are 100% committed to Ifeanyi and plan with him, because he has already demonstrated his potential, for example, in the friendly against Sunderland.
“These recent developments give Ifeanyi the opportunity to gain valuable experience at the highest international level, receive consistent playing time, and consistently advance his sporting development.”