Ifeanyi Ndukwe has been handed his debut for Levante in La Liga, with the Liverpool loanee coming off the bench in a 4-2 defeat to Barcelona — a milestone that opens the door to the center-back becoming eligible for the Reds
Ifeanyi Ndukwe of Levante UD looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match between Levante UD and FC Barcelona at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on September 13, 2026 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Ifeanyi Ndukwe made his debut for Levante against Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Ifeanyi Ndukwe will be available to feature for Liverpool this season following his debut appearance while on loan at Levante.
The 18-year-old center-back entered the action as a substitute in the 71st minute during Sunday's 4-2 home La Liga loss against champion Barcelona.
Ndukwe successfully completed a trial period during pre-season at Liverpool before a $3.5 million (£2.6M) transfer from Austria Vienna, which had been agreed in principle earlier in the year, was completed. Having made a strong impression throughout the summer friendlies, the teenager was initially prevented from appearing in a competitive match for Liverpool during the opening half of the season due to work permit issues.
However, his maiden appearance for Levante has instantly lifted him to the standard necessary to obtain a permit, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Regardless, Liverpool will have an exemption place accessible from February that would enable Ndukwe to participate, and retain the ability to bring the player back in January from his stint at Levante should it be considered necessary.
On-loan Liverpool defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe in action for Levante against Barcelona during the LaLiga match at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on September 13 2026
On-loan Liverpool defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe in action for Levante against Barcelona during the LaLiga match at Estadi Ciutat de Valencia on September 13 2026(Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
“They’ve been playing well, but I think they’ll improve,” Levante boss Luis Castro said as he gave his verdict on the club's debutants against Barcelona. “Petar [Rakow] has just arrived and has made some tactical errors that he needs to iron out. Ndukwe has come in well.
“They’ll help us in the future. We’re gaining more players, and I think it’s important for the future to have more options.”
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Meanwhile, new Liverpool forward Djylian N'Guessan made his Ligue 1 bow for Brest on Sunday when featuring for the closing 12 minutes of the 1-0 home loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
The Reds secured the $5.7 million (£4.25M) acquisition of N'Guessan from Saint-Etienne earlier this month, with the 18-year-old striker penning a pre-contract arrangement that will see him become a Reds player in January.
He is currently on loan at Brest for the opening half of the Ligue 1 season, with Liverpool eager for him to accumulate additional top-flight experience. N'Guessan's circumstances will be assessed in the New Year when he formally joins the Reds.