Liverpool AGREE first 2026 signing - Fabrizio Romano

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 2 Jan 2026 19:24 GMT
• 4 min read

News

Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign FK Austria Wien defender Ifeanyi Ndukwe this summer.

Arne Slot’s side have been in talks to sign the 17-year-old in recent days and they have now agreed a deal for him to join the club after his 18th birthday later this year, as per multiple reports.

This has been confirmed by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Liverpool agree deal to sign 17 year old Austrian centre back Ifeanyi Ndukwe for summer 2026, here we go!

“Agreement in place, valid from July. Austria Wien accepted the proposal. Seen as [a] huge talent, Ndukwe said yes to [the] Liverpool project.”

Ndukwe, who is yet to make his senior debut, shone for Austria at the recent U17 World Cup and he played a key role as his nation reached the final before succumbing to a narrow 1-0 defeat to Portugal.

He is expected to link up with Liverpool’s U21 side upon his arrival at Anfield this summer and he has become the first player to finalise a move to the Reds in 2026.

Liverpool target January signings

After agreeing a deal for Ndukwe, Liverpool could be set to turn their attention to signing at least one new first-team player during the January transfer window.

Club-record signing Alexander Isak is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a broken leg versus Tottenham Hotspur in late December and reports speculate that Liverpool could dip into the market to sign a new striker this month as a result.

The club are also eager to land a senior central defender amid rumours that Ibrahima Konate may leave the club upon the expiration of his contract this summer.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi has been considered to be their top target for several months, although it has been suggested that Liverpool may instead sign Club Brugge defender Joel Ordonez.

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