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Liverpool Closing In on Deal for Celtic Teen Defender Dara Jikiemi

Reports point to a 2026 academy arrival under Liverpool’s long-term youth recruitment plan.

Overview

  • Multiple reports, led by the Mail’s Lewis Steele, say talks are progressing with Liverpool seen as frontrunners over Nottingham Forest.
  • The 15-year-old turns 16 in January, with the move expected to be formalised early in 2026 before he enters the Kirkby academy.
  • Because he has not signed a professional contract, a cross-border switch would see Celtic receive training compensation rather than a transfer fee.
  • Jikiemi has been playing for Celtic’s under-18s up to three years above his age and has captained Scotland at youth level.
  • Coverage frames the pursuit as following the Ben Gannon-Doak pathway, while stressing there has been no club confirmation despite claims of terms being close.