Liverpool youngster Ndukwe will not play competitive football due to work permit regulations.
Liverpool FC Logo
Liverpool FC Logo
Full name: Liverpool Football Club Nickname: The Reds Founded: 3 June 1892 Ground: Anfield Owner: Fenway Sports Group Chairman: Tom Werner Head coach: Andoni Iraola League: Premier League Season 2025-26: 5th rank Website: liverpoolfc.com Liverpool Football Club is in the… Read More about LIVERPOOL
Liverpool’s pre-season under new boss Andoni Iraola has seen 18-year-old defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe emerge as a bright prospect. The Austrian teenager has impressed during the summer and caught the attention of the Liverpool staff. However, Ndukwe will not be able to make his competitive debut for Liverpool in 2026 because of UK work permit rules. Despite his strong pre-season displays, the defender must wait until he meets the required conditions to play in competitive matches.
Ndukwe impresses but work permit blocks Liverpool chance
As reported by BBC, Ndukwe cannot currently play for Liverpool in competitive matches because he has not earned enough points to qualify for a UK work permit. The defender has been able to play in pre-season friendlies because they do not face the same rules. However, Ndukwe will not be able to play for Liverpool once the competitive football season begins unless his work permit situation changes.
That is a major blow for Iraola, who already has few senior defenders available. Liverpool lost Ibrahima Konate this summer after the France international left as a free agent. Joe Gomez is also missing with a muscle injury, while Jeremy Jacquet is yet to make an appearance in pre-season after a shoulder issue. Giovanni Leoni remains out with a long-term injury. This leaves Van Dijk and Ronald Araujo as the only established senior centre-backs available for the start of the season. Ndukwe looked like a possible solution, but his work permit issue means he cannot play in competitive games for now.
Liverpool have limited work permit options
Since Brexit, English clubs have faced stricter rules when signing players from overseas. Young players with little senior experience can find it hard to earn enough points for a Governing Body Endorsement. Ndukwe does not have enough points for the endorsement he needs to get a work visa. Clubs can use an Elite Significant Contribution, or ESC, slot for players who do not meet the normal rules. But Liverpool have only one ESC place this season. This is linked to the number of minutes played by England-qualified players last season.
That slot has already been used for young Senegal defender Mor Talla Ndiaye. As a result, Liverpool cannot use an ESC slot for Ndukwe. The club must find another way to register him for competitive games. Until then, the teenager can only play in matches that do not require a work permit.
Liverpool Football Stadium - Anfield
Liverpool Football Stadium - Anfield
Iraola faces defensive selection problem
The situation leaves Iraola with another problem to solve ahead of Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture against Newcastle. The club’s defensive shortage has already forced the new head coach to rely on inexperienced options during pre-season. Ndukwe’s performances suggested that he could have provided useful cover, but his registration issue means Iraola will need another solution.
The teenager has still made a strong impression this summer. His height, defensive skills and confidence on the ball have caught the attention of supporters. His displays against stronger teams have also shown that he could have a future at Anfield.
Liverpool will keep reviewing their defensive options before the season starts. With several players out, the club may need another signing or an experienced short-term option. For now, Ndukwe will focus on improving and making the most of his chances in pre-season friendlies. His displays have increased excitement around his future, even though he cannot yet play in competitive matches.
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