Liverpool have successfully negotiated the acquisition of 17-year-old center-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, with the player set to join the Premier League giants in the summer of 2026. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Friday that all parties have finalized the agreement, which will become officially valid in July.
The Merseyside club secured the signature of the promising teenager after Austria Wien accepted a strategic proposal for their highly rated academy standout.
The young defender, who stands as a significant prospect for the future, has already given his full consent to the sporting project presented by the Reds. Ndukwe, born in Vienna in March 2008, possesses a diverse heritage that includes a Nigerian father and a German mother. This lineage creates a unique international profile for the player, as he currently remains eligible to represent the national teams of Nigeria, Austria, and Germany.
Ndukwe’s physical attributes and technical composure at a young age have attracted significant attention from scouts across Europe. Liverpool’s recruitment team views the Austrian youth international as a foundational piece for their long-term defensive planning.
By securing his future well in advance of the 2026 summer window, the club ensures that the talented center-back remains integrated into their developmental pathway as he continues his current progression in the Austrian capital.
The acquisition underscores Liverpool’s continued focus on identifying and securing elite global talent before they reach peak market value. Ndukwe will likely continue his development within the Austria Wien system for the next several months before making the transition to England. His arrival at Anfield in July 2026 will mark a major step in his professional career as he joins one of the most prestigious defensive units in world football.
