Liverpool are to signal younger defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe in the summertime, however one in every of his coaches has confessed he would have favored him to place the transfer off for “one other 12 months.”
Ifeanyi Ndukwe to Liverpool: A fast look
• Summer season Arrival: Liverpool are set to signal Ifeanyi Ndukwe for £2.6 million plus add-ons. Because of post-Brexit guidelines, he’ll formally take part July 2026 as soon as he turns 18.• World Cup Star: The 6’5” defender was a standout on the U17 World Cup, serving to Austria attain the ultimate whereas conceding simply twice in all the event.• Coach’s Warning: Austria U17 coach Hermann Stadler admitted he wished Ndukwe had stayed in Vienna for “one other 12 months” to develop beneath senior mentors earlier than transferring overseas.
As one in every of three centre-backs Liverpool have made their transfer for, together with Noah Adekoya and Talla Ndiaye, Ndukwe is simply 17 years previous however extremely rated.
He’s at present part of the Austria Vienna youth setup, however on account of post-Brexit rules, he can’t transfer to Liverpool till the summer season as a result of he’s not but 18 years previous.
• READ MORE: Who’s Ifeanyi Ndukwe? New Liverpool centre-back – switch payment, model of play & quotes
At 6’5″, he stood out on the U17 World Cup in November, the place he reached the ultimate with Austria and conceded simply two objectives in all the event.
Ndukwe’s Austria U17s coach, Hermann Stadler, advised LAOLA1 that “he has the potential to grow to be an awesome centre-back,” however needs he had delayed his transfer to Liverpool.
“I’m very joyful for Ify; he deserves it,” mentioned the coach.
“He has made an enormous step ahead within the final 12 months, delivering a high efficiency in each sport on the World Cup.”
“He obtained this supply from Liverpool partly due to the World Cup. He had additionally beforehand obtained a proposal from Inter Milan, which, for no matter purpose, was not finalised.”
Ndukwe has already accomplished a medical and LAOLA1 experiences he’ll value Liverpool £2.6 million plus add-ons, with Austria Vienna additionally anticipated to incorporate a sell-on clause.
Stadler continued: “I’m very joyful that he’s signed with a high membership.
“Personally, I believe one other 12 months in Austria would have achieved him good. An skilled participant like [Aleksandar] Dragovic might have mentored him there, after which possibly he might have gone overseas at 18 or 19.
“He has no assure that he’ll make it huge, neither with Austria nor at Liverpool. We’ll know extra in two or three years, however I consider he has the potential to grow to be an awesome centre-back.”
Who’s Ifeanyi Ndukwe? A short look
Ndukwe is a right-sided centre-back who’s remarkably tall for his age at 6’5″, however nonetheless possesses appreciable tempo which aids him in restoration.
From exploring his highlights whereas taking part in for Austria’s youth groups, Ndukwe seems to be a front-footed defender who prefers to snuff out assaults earlier than they develop.
He additionally possesses a robust passing vary, together with pinpoint lengthy balls together with his pure proper foot, which has drawn comparisons to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Austria Vienna U21s supervisor Max Uhlig on Ifeanyi Ndukwe (Laola1):
“It’s exceptional how clear-headed he already is.
“Loads has occurred to him within the final 12 months. It’s all gone in a short time, however I don’t get the sensation that it’s weighing on him or that he thinks he’s some sort of tremendous nice man.
“He’s all the time the identical, very down-to-earth.”
