Liverpool receive a ‘Here We Go’ for highly-rated centreback signing

Last Updated on 2 January 2026

A lot has been made of Liverpool’s defensive woes this season and rightly so, given the champions have let in 26 goals at the halfway stage of the Premier League season.

Joe Gomez has been battling an injury, while Ibrahima Konate has failed to build on a spectacular 2024/25 campaign. Giovanni Leoni suffered a season-ending injury on his first Liverpool start.

The Reds showed a lot of interest in Marc Guehi up until the failed move on deadline day. So, they have moved quickly, once the January window opened, to agree a deal for a centreback.

Liverpool agree deal for 17-year-old Austrian wonderkid, Ifeanyi Ndukwe

Fabrizio Romano was quick to confirm the news of Liverpool’s first transfer business of 2026. The journalist reported that the Anfield club had agreed a deal with Austria Vienna for Ifeanyi Ndukwe.

While official confirmation is still awaited, it’s seen as a massive coup by Liverpool among those with knowledge of youth talent in Europe.

Despite his tremendous potential, Ndukwe is expected to join Liverpool’s youth set-up. However, the club are bullish on his potential to take the next step, with the 1.98m centreback arriving in the summer.

All you need to know about Ifeanyi Ndukwe

Still only 17, Ndukwe stands at just under 2 metres and a monster in the air, as per Transfermarkt. He was a regular for Austria at the U17 World Cup final, helping his side get to the final. The youngster is

Ndukwe is significantly taller than others in his age range but it’s his mobility and balance given his frame that make him stand out. He has the ability to play out from the back using both feet and coaches have often praised his understanding of the game and anticipation.

For Liverpool, it’s a signing of the future. It’s not easy to replace a player like Virgil van Dijk but the Reds have been proactive in their approach.

They snapped up the talented Leoni from Parma last summer and now Ndukwe is on his way. If even one of these signings reaches their full potential, the Reds’ scouting system would have done their job.