English Premier League giants Liverpool FC have reached an agreement in principle to sign 17-year-old Austrian-Nigerian defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe from Austria Vienna.
The deal, confirmed by both clubs on Monday, includes an option for Liverpool to finalize the transfer in the upcoming summer window. The centre-back will join the Reds’ U21 squad upon completion.
Ndukwe, who turns 18 in March, is a product of Austria Vienna’s academy, having joined the club at age seven. He has progressed through all their youth ranks and has been a regular for their reserve side. This season, he has been named in the senior team’s matchday squad on nine occasions and made seven appearances in the Austrian second division.
The defender recently showcased his talent on the global stage, playing a key role for Austria’s U17 national team that finished as runners-up at the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, featuring in all but one of their matches.
Sporting director of Austria Vienna, Michael Wagner, described the agreement as a “clear win-win situation for both clubs.” He stated, “It is a great honour that one of the world’s best football clubs has shown interest in one of our home-grown players… Above all, this story is a great tribute to the excellent work that is done in our academy every day.”
Wagner emphasized that the deal is structured to benefit Austria Vienna regardless of whether the option is exercised. He added that the club aims to be a “springboard for talented players into Europe’s top leagues.”
Ndukwe will remain with Austria Vienna until the summer. The transfer is pending the completion of international clearance formalities.
