‘Here we go’ – Liverpool secure verbal agreement for January arrival, confirms Romano

Liverpool’s recruitment plans continue to take shape quietly in the background, with another deal now effectively wrapped up according to one of football’s most trusted voices. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a verbal agreement has been reached to sign left-footed centre-back Mor Talla Ndiaye, punctuating the update with his familiar “here we go” on X.

The 18-year-old Senegal youth international currently plays for Amitié FC and caught attention at the recent Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. His arrival is seen as part of a broader defensive overhaul at Kirkby, focused on strengthening the club’s future options.

Why Ndiaye aligns with Liverpool’s long-term vision

Ndiaye fits a profile Liverpool have actively sought in recent windows — a left-sided central defender capable of adding balance and depth behind the established senior names.

Known for his physical presence, aerial ability and calmness on the ball, the teenager has already earned three caps at Under-18 level for Senegal, underlining his rapid progression despite his young age.

Within the club, the move is viewed as a development-focused signing rather than one designed for immediate first-team impact, following a pathway Liverpool have successfully used with other young defenders in recent seasons.

This outlook was reinforced by Paul Gorst, who also reported that Liverpool were closing in on Ndiaye as part of efforts to bolster defensive depth at academy level. With Giovanni Leoni currently sidelined and the senior defence stretched at times, strengthening the pipeline has become a clear priority.

Arne Slot reinforces Liverpool’s recruitment philosophy

Head coach Arne Slot recently addressed Liverpool’s wider transfer approach, emphasising that recruitment decisions are being carefully aligned across the club.

“I’m really happy with the squad we are having,” Slot said ahead of the Arsenal clash, explaining that collaboration with Richard Hughes and the ownership has left Liverpool “in a really good place for the short future but definitely also for the mid- to long-term future”.

While Ndiaye’s signing will not immediately affect matchday selections, it underlines Liverpool’s commitment to planning ahead rather than reacting late, with the young defender now set to take the next step in his development on Merseyside.