Iraola could add ‘outstanding’ player to Liverpool squad for free

Liverpool could bolster their centre-back arrangement with Ifeanyi Ndukwe in the winter window.

James Pearce reports for The Athletic that the Austrian centre-half – who joined Levante on loan – will be assessed in the winter period ahead of a potential return.

Of course, this will be dependent on the teenager being eligible for a work permit to play in the Premier League.
‘s squad this winter

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It’s not the depth Liverpool fans will have been hoping for – and certainly not with any immediacy.

Regardless, we’d welcome the opportunity to expand the squad and centre-back department in the winter, especially given that our current arrangement looks somewhat precarious.

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Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo have, so far, proven to be astute signings. However, with Virgil van Dijk having turned 35 in July, Giovanni Leoni still recovering from injury and Joe Gomez‘s fitness record leaving much to be desired, Liverpool are walking something of a tightrope at the back.

The depth is technically there, but we would feel more comfortable with another body available at the back – especially after witnessing some really strong showings from Ndukwe in pre-season.

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(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

It’s not the most fun topic, but the truth of the matter is that Liverpool do need at least an element of forward planning in mind with their centre-back arrangement.

To give credit where credit’s due, the Reds have, hopefully, safeguarded the future of their centre-back partnership with the signings of Leoni and Jacquet.

But there’s been no clear indication yet whether the club or Van Dijk intend to extend their relationship beyond the end of his contract in 2027.

If this really is to be the legendary Dutchman’s final season at Anfield, we’d ideally like to see Ifeanyi Ndukwe soak up his experience for at least half a season.

Described as “outstanding” by FIFA technical panel expert Pascal Zuberbuhler (via Laola1), the young centre-back’s talent was signposted during his involvement with Austria’s U17 squad.

The plaudits have hardly ended there, with Virgil van Dijk likewise left impressed with what he’s witnessed from the centre-half so far (via GOAL): “He’s a big talent, big guy and he wants to learn and I had a brief conversation with him, especially in the last couple of days. For him it is just progressing. I know he has to go on loan I think so let’s see where he ends up. Yeah [it’s a shame he has to move on loan].

“I don’t know exactly what the rules are, but the matter of fact is that he has to go on loan and wherever he goes, he needs to learn, get better and be ready when he comes back to hopefully stay there.”

A small pity, then, that Liverpool will have to play the patient game with the 18-year-old.

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