Liverpool confirm a preliminary agreement to acquire the highly-rated defender.

Liverpool have officially confirmed they have reached an agreement in principle to sign highly-rated defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna.

The deal, which still requires international clearance, represents another calculated addition to the Reds’ recruitment strategy as they continue to target top young talent from across Europe. The club confirmed that Ndukwe will remain in Austria for the rest of the current season before joining Liverpool’s U21 squad in the summer of 2026.

Who is Ifeanyi Ndukwe?

Ndukwe has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects.
At just 17 years old, he will turn 18 in March, paving the way for his move to Merseyside.

His profile rose dramatically during the 2025 U17 World Cup in Qatar, where he played a pivotal role in Austria’s run to the final. He featured in nearly every match as Austria finished as runners-up to Portugal, and his standout performance included a goal in a 4–0 victory over England.

These displays drew attention from top clubs across Europe, including Inter Milan and several Bundesliga teams.
At club level, Ndukwe has been a key player for Austria Vienna’s reserve team, the Young Violets, competing in Austria’s second division. His technical ability and physical strength have also earned him nine appearances on the senior team’s matchday squad this season.

Ndukwe won’t immediately solve Liverpool’s defensive problems
While the signing is a major coup for Liverpool’s academy, it is unlikely to provide instant support for Arne Slot’s first team.

Defensive depth has been a major concern for Liverpool recently, with Virgil van Dijk turning 35 this year and Ibrahima Konaté’s future still uncertain.
The club has also faced difficulties in the senior transfer market, including a serious injury to summer signing Giovanni Leoni and a failed pursuit of Marc Guehi. Liverpool also lost Joe Gomez to injury, leaving Konaté as the only senior option alongside Van Dijk.

Liverpool remain linked with Micky van de Ven, but that move is expected to be a summer transfer.
Because Ndukwe will initially join the U21s, his signing is more of a long-term investment rather than a quick fix for the club’s current defensive issues.

The deal is reported to be worth an initial £2.6 million, suggesting Liverpool believe they have secured a world-class talent before his value rises sharply. However, fans will have to wait until next season to see the “Austrian giant” in action at Anfield.