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Liverpool agree first transfer of 2026 as they sign 6ft 6in centre-back, 17, to bolster threadbare defensive ranks
LIVERPOOL have agreed their first transfer of 2026 by adding a new defender to their ranks.
The Anfield-based club were the Premier League’s top spenders in the summer of 2025.
The Reds spent big on the likes of Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike but are yet to see results on the pitch.
The reigning Prem champions look set to forfeit their title after a poor start to the season, which sees them 12 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Liverpool have now returned to the transfer market and agreed to sign Ifeanyi Ndukwe in the summer following the campaign.
Ndukwe, 17, will join up with the Reds after the season ends with the deal becoming valid in July.
The towering 6ft 6in defender is regarded as a “huge talent” following his breakthrough performances with Austria Wien’s youth side.
He has also gained international attention, having represented Austria at the U17 World Cup in November.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Ndukwe said “yes” to the project proposed to him by Liverpool.
It is thought he will initially train with the U21s before potential opportunities in the first team.
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The deal comes as Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Club Brugge star Joel Ordonez.
The Ecuadorian defender has impressed in Belgium and could cost the club up to £43million.
Reports have claimed that the proposed deal would see the club pay £35m upfront with a further £8m in performance-related addons.
Meanwhile, Liverpool face a dilemma over Harvey Elliott‘s loan at Aston Villa.
The West Midlands club no longer want the ace and he can not be loaned to another European club due to Fifa rules.
The rule states that a player cannot play for more than two teams with Europe in a season.
There can be exceptions as a player can play for a third club if they move between associations with different season calendars.
He could be offered a lifeline by MLS outfit Charlotte FC in North Carolina who are managed by Dean Smith.
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