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Liverpool Closing In on Celtic Teen Defender Dara Jikiemi

Reports place Liverpool as frontrunners to secure the 15-year-old after he turns 16 in January 2026.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report discussions are progressing positively, with Liverpool viewed ahead of Nottingham Forest in the race for the centre-back.
  • The move is expected to be formalised early in 2026 when he becomes eligible to transfer, with Celtic due training compensation rather than a fee.
  • Jikiemi has been playing for Celtic’s Under-18s three years above his age group and has captained Scotland at youth level.
  • The pursuit fits Liverpool’s long-term recruitment strategy and mirrors the Ben Gannon-Doak pathway that later brought in a reported £20m plus add-ons.
  • Key specifics such as a formal agreement or claims he was excused from youth duty are reported by some outlets but remain unconfirmed.