Liverpool are reportedly close to completing their first signing of the January window, as Arne Slot looks to strengthen his squad following a disappointing start to the 2025/26 season.
Despite signing high-profile players such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz during the summer transfer window, neither has had the impact many expected. Meanwhile, other summer arrivals, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, have yet to reach their best level since arriving at Anfield.
Hugo Ekitike, who joined from Eintracht Frankfurt, has arguably been the most successful signing of the summer, scoring 11 goals in 24 appearances.
However, despite the Reds reportedly spending €446 million over the summer, they are already active in the January transfer window, which opened on January 1.
On Friday, January 2, a report from The Athletic claimed that Liverpool were “in talks” with 17-year-old Austrian defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who currently plays for Austria Wien. On Saturday, January 3, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed on his YouTube channel what he knows about the potential deal, stating that “everything is done” and “agreed”.
“This talented defender from Austria Wien, 17 years old, will turn 18 very soon, and in the summer of 2026, Ndukwe will become a new Liverpool defender. It’s a done deal.”
“The player has agreed to the terms. I can say that during the summer, Italian and German clubs wanted to sign him, but Ndukwe decided to wait, and now Liverpool have decided to complete the transfer,” Romano wrote.
