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Liverpool Reportedly Closing In on Deal for Celtic Teen Defender Dara Jikiemi

The 15-year-old is expected to enter Liverpool’s academy in 2026 once he becomes eligible.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets, citing The Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele and the Secret Scout account, report that Liverpool are nearing an agreement for the centre-back.
  • Jikiemi is 15, plays for Celtic’s U18s despite his age, and captains Scotland at U15 level.
  • Nottingham Forest were among the clubs pursuing him, with Liverpool reported as the frontrunner.
  • If the move is finalised, he would join in 2026 after turning 16 and is likely to begin with Simon Wiles’ U18s.
  • The pursuit aligns with Liverpool’s push for early defensive talent, with recent academy movement highlighted by Kaylum Moss’s switch to Manchester City and the precedent of Ben Gannon-Doak leaving Celtic for Anfield.