Liverpool have been busy in the transfer market in January, albeit perhaps not on a senior level as many might’ve hoped.

Instead, the academy ranks have been bolstered to the tune of three additional central defenders with Mor Talla Ndiaye and Noah Adekoya both adding their considerable presences to the AXA setup. 

Adeyoka made his Reds’ bow in the Under 21s 1-0 win at Brighton on Friday night, making key defensive contributions along the way for Rob Page’s side as they continued their perfect start to 2026. 

However, the third winter arrival will have to wait as Liverpool confirmed the capture of Ifeanyi Ndukwe, albeit the Austria Vienna 17-year-old won’t arrive on Merseyside until the summer after completing the season in Austria. 

In the meantime, to find out more about the young central defender and what we can expect, Dan spoke to an expert for @Sorare_Inside & for FK Austria Wien…

“Despite being only 17, he’s already impressed coaches with his 1.98 m physical presence, calm defensive temperament and aerial dominance, traits that helped him captain youth sides and earn promotion with Austria Wien’s Young Violets to the 2nd division.

“Ndukwe was a key figure in Austria’s U17 national team that reached the 2025 U17 World Cup final, showing his leadership on the international stage at the youth level.

“As he transitions into senior football, his blend of physicality, composure under pressure, and early leadership qualities makes him one to watch for bigger tasks. He will be in the squad of the first team till end of the season. I hope that he will get his minutes there!”

Whilst defensive reinforcements may not have been forthcoming for Arne Slot, spending a reported £2.6millon to bring a teenager in Ndukwe to Liverpool is certainly a sign of how highly the Anfield scouts rate the centre-back. 

Alongside the two new faces already bolstering a department containing Amara Nallo, Wellity Lucky and Carter Pinnington, Liverpool’s central defensive options at the youth level are certainly blessed.