Liverpool are set to send 18-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe on loan to Levante, where he will gain invaluable experience on his path to earning a work permit.
Pre-season always presents the chance to get a closer look at a club’s most highly talented young talents, and this summer was no different for Liverpool, with Ndukwe blowing supporters away with his maturity and incredible physical attributes.
Despite being around three years away from physical maturation, Ndukwe is already 6 ft 6, but moves with the agility and mobility of a much shorter man.
Some fans have already likened him to Joel Matip, who was one of the best ball-playing centre-backs Liverpool have had the pleasure of employing in the modern era. Injuries prevented the Cameroonian from reaching his full potential, but if Ndukwe has slightly better luck, he could enjoy a sensational career at the top level based on the limited time I have seen him play.
Liverpool verbally agree loan deal with Levante for Ndukwe
According to Nacho Sanchis, via Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement is in place with La Liga outfit Levante for a season-long loan for Ndukwe.
Romano states: “Levante have agreed on loan deal to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Liverpool. The Spanish club will cover his salary as straight loan deal has been verbally agreed today.
“Ndukwe, waiting for formal steps with #LFC over loan.”
??? Levante have agreed on loan deal to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Liverpool.
The Spanish club will cover his salary as straight loan deal has been verbally agreed today.
Ndukwe, waiting for formal steps with #LFC over loan exit as per @sanchis14. pic.twitter.com/gNgKS9cxXA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 19, 2026
Sanchis reported first: “Levante UD News Scoop. Levante has CLOSED the signing of IFEANYI NDUWKE.
“Arrives TOMORROW in Valencia.Long-time work. He was first spotted at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar and efforts began to convince him Liverpool accepts because they see that at LUD young players have a place and are given opportunities.”
La Liga is an excellent choice of league for developing a young centre-back
Ndukwe was always going to head out on loan this summer to gain the necessary points to be awarded a UK work visa, but the important choice was to pick the right club and league.
La Liga, while not as physically demanding as the Premier League, will challenge the mental and technical aspects of Ndukwe’s game. Given his physical strengths, this is far more important at this stage of his fledgling career.