Liverpool has reached an agreement with Austria Vienna to sign their young defender, Ifeanyi Ndouke, during the current winter transfer window.
The 17-year-old Ndouke is considered one of the most promising young center-backs in the world. He attracted attention during the Under-17 World Cup, where he helped Austria reach the final before losing to Portugal and finishing as runners-up.
Liverpool had been closely monitoring and admiring Ndouke, and the English club made a move to sign him in January, paying a fee between €3 million and €5 million for his services.
Liverpool agreed with Austria Vienna to purchase the player in the winter transfer window, with his move to Anfield postponed until next summer. He will be loaned back to his current Austrian club for six months.
Although Ndoke is a very promising player, he will not play directly for the first team next season. Instead, he will first join the under-21 team, and shining with Rob Begg’s squad will be his only path to playing alongside Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah in the future.
Liverpool are currently looking to sign an experienced centre-back, especially after Ibrahima Konaté’s decline in form. However, it is unlikely that the English club will make a move and secure a major signing this winter, preferring to wait until next summer when more realistic and less expensive options are expected.
