Liverpool starlet takes another step closer to replacing Steven Gerrard favourite

Liverpool made a fair few changes to their ranks over the summer.

The Anfield outfit were in desperate need of some new faces after they only managed to finish fifth in the Premier League last time around.

And, while some additional players have been brought in, it still feels like there's some room for change.

For example, Liverpool's attack still isn't complete as they genuinely don't have a natural right-winger among their ranks which is why their youngsters are getting so much more game time.

However, since their academy ranks are so stacked, some have had to be sent out on loan to try and prove their worth.

And, now it seems like one of Liverpool's youngsters is finally going to be given that chance.

Ifeanyi Ndukwe is likely to debut against Barcelona on Sunday afternoon

When the start of the 2026-27 season first came around, Liverpool fans were excited about their new era under Andoni Iraola.

The Spaniard was gearing himself up to welcome a fair few new players to L4 and, while he managed to do that, the Reds' fanbase were a bit upset about one deal.

Last term, Liverpool's defence performed well below par and, since Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni were injured for most of the campaign, a lot of pressure fell onto the shoulders of Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.

Each of them had their good and bad games but, in the 2026-27 pre-season, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who Liverpool had signed in the previous January transfer window, was making waves.

Even though he'd only played one minute of professional football before joining Liverpool, Iraola chose to start him alongside Luke Chambers and, to the surprise of many, he was arguably the Reds' best defender.

But, because of his inability to earn a work permit, he had to be loaned out to Levante so that he could get enough points to qualify for one.

And, even though he's been there since the start of the La Liga season, he's only just about to get his debut for Levante.

"Ratkov, Tape and Ndukwe, to debut," Diario AS wrote.

"Ndukwe will initially start behind the centre-back pairing of Dela and Mandi.

"Although at just 18 years old he already demonstrated in Liverpool's preseason that he is ready to play in the most demanding environments."

If Ifeanyi Ndukwe can make his mark at Levante he could end up replacing Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool

Although Ndukwe hasn't played for Levante yet, during his pre-season games for Liverpool, he was impressive.

Despite only being 18 years old, it felt like he'd been a first-team regular for the Anfield outfit for many years with the way that he carried himself on the pitch.

However, due to Brexit and work permit rules, he unfortunately couldn't feature for the Reds which left fans rather annoyed.

Fortunately, they did manage to sign Ronald Araujo so they were covered at the back but, fans would have probably preferred to keep Ndukwe around instead.

But, if he does well against Barcelona on Sunday afternoon, he could lock himself into a regular starting spot which could easily help him make his return to Liverpool.

Obviously, with Van Dijk's contract set to expire in June, a new deal will have to be agreed or a new player will have to be brought in entirely to replace the captain.

And, with him being almost everyone's favourite player, including Steven Gerrard's, it's going to be hard to find his successor.

But, if Ndukwe can carry himself like he did in pre-season, there's every chance that Iraola could turn towards him and allow him some time to prove his worth.

If this happens, it could be huge for the Austrian.

Obviously, whoever eventually replaces Van Dijk will have some massive boots to fill but, if Ndukwe tries hard enough, he could be the successor Liverpool want and need.