17-Year-Old Centre-Back Set to Join Reds in Summer 2026.

In a major coup for the future, Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign promising 17-year-old centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe from FK Austria Wien, with the transfer set to take effect in the summer of 2026.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano gave the deal his famous “Here we go!” confirmation, stating that an agreement is in place valid from July. Austria Wien have accepted Liverpool’s proposal, initially reported by Austrian journalist Alex Huber, and the player has enthusiastically agreed to the Reds’ project.

Ndukwe, who turns 18 in March 2026, stands at an imposing 1.98m (6’5″) and is regarded as one of Europe’s top young defensive talents. Yet to make his senior debut for Austria Wien’s first team, he has impressed at youth level, captaining their U16s and playing regularly for the reserves. His standout performances came at the recent U17 World Cup in Qatar, where he helped Austria reach the final before a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portugal.

Due to post-Brexit regulations, the move cannot be completed until Ndukwe turns 18, paving the way for a summer arrival. He is expected to initially integrate with Liverpool’s U21 squad under Rob Page, with a clear pathway to Arne Slot’s senior team based on his potential.

The deal is reported to be in the multi-million euro range, representing smart long-term planning from Liverpool’s recruitment team, led by director of global talent Matt Newberry.

This signing underscores the club’s commitment to investing in elite young prospects as they build for sustained success.