Liverpool hold discussions to sign Austria Vienna defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe

 

 

Liverpool are reportedly in discussions to sign Austria Vienna centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, according to The Athletic journalist James Pearce.

The Reds’ director of global talent, Matt Newberry, and his scouting team have identified the 17-year-old as a top prospect, with plans to bring him to Anfield already in motion.

Standing at 6ft 5in, Ndukwe is expected to join Rob Page’s under-21 development squad initially, as Liverpool continue to bolster their youth ranks. However, he is considered a player with the potential to eventually break into the senior team.

Liverpool aim to complete a deal allowing the teenager to relocate to England in time for pre-season training in July. Due to Brexit, Premier League clubs cannot officially sign overseas players under 18, but the Reds are already pursuing Ndukwe ahead of his 18th birthday in March.

Although he has yet to make his Austrian Bundesliga debut, Ndukwe has been included on Austria Vienna’s first-team bench this season. He captained their Under-16 side and has regularly featured at reserve level since the 2024-25 season. Last June, he signed a three-year professional contract and impressed multiple top clubs with his performances at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar last November, helping Austria reach the final, where they lost 1-0 to Portugal.

Ndukwe was also part of the Austria Vienna side that defeated Arsenal’s Under-21s 4-1 in pre-season last July, and he could soon face them more regularly.

Liverpool continue to scout young talents across England and Europe, and the Austrian defender has caught their attention. If all goes to plan, he could be moving to Merseyside this summer, with further youth signings expected.