League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Liverpool prepare to add Ifeanyi Ndukwe to defensive roster in January

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 8:50 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

Liverpool prepare to add Ifeanyi Ndukwe to defensive roster in January

Summary

Liverpool could integrate 18-year-old defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe into the senior squad when the January transfer window opens. The Austrian centre-half required a work permit to play competitively for the club, a hurdle that will be cleared once he makes one league appearance. Ndukwe, who spent time on loan with Levante, impressed during the pre-season period, recording a dominant performance against Monaco. Manager Andoni Iraola currently manages a defensive group that includes Virgil van Dijk, Jeremy Jacquet, Ronald Araujo, and Joe Gomez. Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined as he recovers from an ACL injury, potentially opening a pathway for Ndukwe to receive playing time in the Premier League during the second half of the season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Ifeanyi Ndukwe becomes eligible for competitive play after one league appearance
•The 18-year-old defender previously impressed during a pre-season match against Monaco
•Joe Gomez is expected to return to the squad this September
•Giovanni Leoni remains unavailable while recovering from an ACL injury
•Liverpool currently holds depth in the centre-back position through January

Latest Updates

8:50 AMYahoo Sports — Not Camara: Andoni Iraola already has one Liverpool transfer lined up for January

What they're saying

"
Ifeanyi Ndukwe could be in line to bolster the Liverpool defence in January.James Pearce reports for The Athletic that the Austrian centre-half only needs to play one league game to become eligible to...
— Yahoo Sports

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