Ifeanyi Ndukwe could be part of Andoni Iraola‘s first-team plans in 2027. TEAMtalk understand Liverpool rate the young centre-back highly and believe he has a future with us at Anfield.
The Austrian teenager signed from Austria Vienna in January but couldn’t move to Merseyside until the summer, because he didn’t have work permit clearance. That’s why he’s out on loan at Levante, where he has become an increasingly important player in La Liga.
Could he be back in January?
The permit problem is now sorted and Ndukwe qualifies to play for us. We reported last month that his representatives were due to meet Liverpool officials about his next steps. A recall in January is possible, but the preference at the moment is for him to stay in Spain until the end of the season.
A second loan is also an option, and other Premier League clubs have already asked about taking him for the second half of the campaign.
What it means for the defence
The belief in Ndukwe could shape how we go about centre-back recruitment. Liverpool aren’t necessarily looking to add an established defender, even though a few names have been linked, and those links should be treated with caution.
Virgil van Dijk is reportedly close to a one-year extension, while Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni are seen as part of the long-term plans at the back.
Ndukwe isn’t the only youngster the club has its eye on. Midfielder Trey Nyoni, who has broken through this season, is also viewed as important to the longer-term picture.
Want more Liverpool news from LFC Click in your Google results?
Add LFC Click as a preferred source