Image for Liverpool departure confirmed as work permit complication prompts quick transfer
Image for Liverpool departure confirmed as work permit complication prompts quick transfer
Liverpool have officially finalised another departure from Anfield with teenage defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe completing a season-long loan move to Spanish side Levante.
While most supporters remain focused on potential incoming business—or the distinct lack thereof—two outgoing transfers have been wrapped up within 24 hours. Following Curtis Jones’ €35m move to Inter Milan, 18-year-old Ndukwe has departed Merseyside for Spain’s top flight.
Work permit headache
The Reds agreed a deal in principle to sign the centre-back from Austria Vienna earlier this year for a fee around £2.6m, with the move completed following a successful trial. However, despite being earmarked as a “big talent” by captain Virgil van Dijk, post-Brexit regulations have rendered Ndukwe ineligible for competitive action in the UK.
The defender managed just one senior appearance for die Veilchen and three caps for Austria U19s—despite featuring seven times in their run to the 2025 U17 World Cup final. Crucially, Mor Talla Ndiaye’s £1m arrival from Amitie FC in January effectively blocked Ndukwe from hitting the required points target under recently updated work permit rules.
As a result, Liverpool have sent the towering 6ft 6in defender out on loan across Europe to accumulate the necessary points to qualify for a UK work permit mid-season or ahead of next year.
Impressive pre-season campaign
Ndukwe was a prominent figure under Andoni Iraola during the summer tour of the United States. He replaced Joe Gomez early on against Sunderland before playing the full 90 minutes against Wrexham and Leeds, before starting alongside Van Dijk against Monaco at Anfield.
His move to los Granotes (the Frogs) ensures crucial regular first-team minutes. Luís Castro’s side finished 16th in La Liga last season and opened their new campaign with a heavy 3-0 defeat to Espanyol. With regular starts guaranteed as part of the agreement, Ndukwe is expected to challenge Aïssa Mandi and Adrián de la Fuente for a starting spot ahead of Monday’s trip to Osasuna.
Anfield future
While joining a side bracing for a relegation battle represents a baptism of fire—with a clash against Barcelona on the horizon—the long-term plan remains clear.
Liverpool’s defensive ranks currently feature Van Dijk, Ronald Araújo, Jeremy Jacquet, Giovanni Leoni, and Joe Gomez, alongside young prospect Mor Talla Ndiaye. However, with Van Dijk and Gomez both entering the final year of their contracts and Araújo only on loan, a first-team vacancy is expected to open up in Iraola’s squad in a year’s time.