Overview
- Liverpool have an agreement in place to sign 17-year-old Austria Vienna centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe, with the deal taking effect in July after he turns 18, according to reports from The Athletic and Fabrizio Romano.
- Post-Brexit rules prevent Premier League clubs from registering overseas players under 18, so Ndukwe would arrive for pre-season and initially join Rob Page’s under-21s with a pathway to the first team.
- Multiple outlets report Liverpool are close to a £43m transfer for Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez, structured at about £35m plus £8m in add-ons, though the club has not confirmed any agreement and some local reporting questions the claims.
- Defensive reinforcements are being pursued with Giovanni Leoni out long term with an ACL injury, Joe Gomez recently sidelined by a hamstring issue, and Ibrahima Konate approaching the end of his contract.
- Manager Arne Slot recently downplayed the likelihood of a January centre-back arrival, while interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is still being reported for the summer window.